With 70% of Ausralian homes already connected to some form of high speed internet, the $43billion plan is set to place Australia as a leader in terms of broadband infrastructure.

But with so much money being spent and information only trickling out, how will the average household be affected by the new network?

What is it?

According to a statement just released by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, construction of the new fibre-optic network, is set to begin by September 2009. A $250million 'fast-track' plan promised by the government is now out to tender, offering up to 25,000 jobs for locals, says the minister.

"This immediate action will result in new high-speed backbone links to stimulate competition and better broadband services in regional Australia," Senator Conroy says.

What do I get?

Called 'Fibre to the home', the new, faster network allows broadband up to 100Mbps (approximately  20 times faster than most current broadband plans) while also giving the user access to broadcast cable television, interactive two-way video-based services and a phone line over the internet (VoIP).

The opposition has warned that the cables for the network may be overhead cables, much like the controversial Optus cable. The government sought to dismiss these claims.

Who gets it?

The initial priority locations to receive investment are:

• Emerald and Longreach, Queensland.
• Geraldton, Western Australia.
• Darwin, Northern Territory.
• Broken Hill, New South Wales.
• Victor Harbor, South Australia.
• South West Gippsland, Victoria.

More info

Minister's Media Release

Related news

Australia ranks 11th in broadband rankings (ABC via Yahoo!7 News)

NBN cables will be rolled out overhead (AAP via Yahoo!7 News)