NBN Co

The federal government business responsible for the National Broadband Network, NBN Co, today fended off claims that first release site residents will be charged for fibre optic cable-laying to their houses if they don't sign up earlier the trial ends.

"NBN Co today labelled as incorrect the suggestion that householders in the Kiama Downs first release site who 'don't sign up with an internet provider earlier the trial concludes' could be charged part of the cost of laying cable to their homes," according to NBN Co.

Long line of myths

"Sadly this report is merely another in a long line of myths and misconceptions about the National Broadband Network. There is no cost to consumers for a standard installation in Kiama Downs, regardless of whether they have elected to have a line connected while the rollout or not," the spokesperson said.

"Even those residents who have elected not to have a connection, however may wish to do so to when commercial services become available, can simply place an order with an appropriate telecommunications provider, and NBN will provide the connection - again at no cost for a standard installation."

According to NBN Co, the only bills people on the network should expect to pay will be from phone companies and ISPs offering services over the NBN when commercial services are available.

A spokesperson for the NBN Co said the free connection is what the company is doing in first release sites "at present", nevertheless did not say whether connections to the premises will remain free when the network is out of its first release phase.