NBN Co has connected the first fibre-to-the-node users of the national broadband network (NBN), marking a milestone in the technology's introduction.
A handful of users at Umina on the NSW Central Coast are now connected after the area was selected for a pilot program.
Fibre-to-the-node is the keystone of the coalition's broadband plan for a cheaper and more quickly established network.
Where Labor preferred connecting high-speed fibre optic cable directly to 93 per cent of premises, the coalition favours running the cables to street-side cabinet "nodes".
From there, internet is delivered to premises via existing copper phone lines in a process that saves time but delivers slower speeds.
NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow said early feedback from users was positive.
"Existing technologies such as the copper network are capable of playing a vital role," he said in a statement.
Construction of 1000 nodes continues across Queensland and NSW. It is the product of a June agreement between NBN Co and Telstra.
NBN Co has announced plans to build a further 300 nodes.
