More areas in the Illawarra are getting access to the National Broadband Networks (NBN) reliable, high-speed broadband, thanks to the Rudd Labor Government.

Minister for Regional Communications, Sharon Bird, and Member for Throsby, Stephen Jones, today helped roll out the NBN in Dapto, here the rollout is ramping up.

Work is underway for 11,900 homes and businesses in Dapto, Brownsville, Horsley, Kanahooka, Kembla Grange, Marshall Mount, Penrose and Wongawilli, Mr Jones said.

Homes and businesses in Dapto will be able to connect to the NBN in 2014.

Planning and construction has also commenced in parts of Wollongong and Corrimal, with services already available in some parts of Kiama.

Labor is building fibre all the way to the premises with no cost to connect the network infrastructure, and putting in place a uniform national wholesale price.

We believe that everyone should have access to the NBN, no matter where they live, Minister Bird said.

The NBN will transform the way we live, work and learn. It opens up huge opportunities for our community, including the creation of local jobs. It means reduced costs for families, and the opportunity to improve productivity and give our local businesses in Dapto and the Illawarra a competitive advantage.

Households and businesses can look forward to competitive services, with a great range of plans and providers available.

Under the Coalition if you want to connect to optic fibre you will have to pay up to $5,000 and they will axe the uniform price so that people in the regions pay more than those in the city.

For more information about the NBN rollout visit www.nbnco.com.au/rollout