High-speed internet work begins

The Pilbara-wide roll-out of the National Broadband Network has come to Port Hedland, with construction starting to connect more than 9000 homes to the high-speed network.

Regional NBN contractor Datatel Electrical and Communications this month started construction of the network in areas of Port and South Hedland, following a delay of several months on the original installation date.

Works on the fibre-to-node technology will be completed in coming months followed by Roebourne, Dampier, Newman, Tom Price and Paraburdoo before moving to the Kimberley.

The delayed roll out comes after reports of failure in the roll-out and activation of the NBN across Western Australia.

NBN Co WA corporate affairs manager Ebony Aitken said despite the negative reports, most network users were happy but they wea silent majority.

Ms Aitken said the first areas in South Hedland and Wedgefield were expected to be switched on towards the end of the year, with Port Hedland and remaining South Hedland areas switching on early next year.