Come next year, the communities of Comboyne, Hibbord and Redbank will gain full access to the National Broadband Network.

For farmers, businesses and individuals; the benefits are anticipated to be “revolutionary”. 

The three areas are among 14 sites where work has now commenced as part of NBN Co’s aim to deliver the largest infrastructure project in Australia’s history.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications,” said NBN Co spokesperson Tony Gibbs.

“The fixed wireless service is designed to provide access to internet speeds and bandwidth that many in the big cities currently take for granted.” 

Work is now under way to see two towers ranging anywhere between 30 to 40 metres tall, erected at their respective sites.

Mr Gibbs said there had been no opposition from the Comboyne or Hibbord community when it came to establishing a home for the “slim-line monopole”.

The same could not be said for Redbank. Months of conflicting views, community outrage and finally consultation saw the initial proposed site for the fixed-wireless radio base moved.

In the end, NBN Co said consensus pointed to a 50-acre property on 338 Redbank Road as the preferred site.

On average, it takes around 12 months from the start of construction until residents and business owners can link-up to the service, through traditional telephone or internet service providers.  Home owners or businesses will then need to get an antenna or small satellite installed at their home, but this cost is covered by NBN Co.

In some areas take-up of the NBN Fibre Access has been in excess of 60 per cent, an annual report shows. 

But on average, in areas where the network has been operational for more than six months, just over 35 per cent of the premises passed has taken up the service. 

Comboyne avocado farmer Kevin Debreceny, however, is sure the community would make use of the technology and has welcomed the news NBN is well on its way. 

“From what I understand about it, it’s going to be a great thing for the community,” Mr Debreceny said. 

“At this stage anything will be an improvement for us.”

Many people are still stuck on dodgy dial-up connections, which can make using the internet seem more hassle than its worth. 

“But really the internet’s like another right arm these days,” Mr Debreceny said. “I really believe everyone is going to make good use of it, I know I will be.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the NBN Co website to see if their home or business is included as part of the coverage footprint via the interactive map here.