In today's announcement, NBN Co reported it is on track for the September delivery of commercial super-fast broadband services by signing the first Retail Service Providers (RSPs) to connect to the new network on mainland Australia.

Internode and three other initial RSPs will work with NBN Co in the test site phase by running preliminary tests over the network and selecting a limited number of their existing customers to take part in the trial. Internode already has extensive experience of delivering broadband services via the NBN through its involvement at three trial areas in Tasmania since the middle of last year.

NBN Co head of product development and sales Jim Hassell said Internode was one of four RSPs that had been through the onboarding process and were "NBN-ready".

These four RSPs are expected to be the first to connect customers to the national broadband network on mainland Australia when they begin connecting customers as part of the end-user trial to begin in Armidale in the near future.

"This is great news for residents in Armidale and will mean that a limited number of Armidale residents will be the first on mainland Australia to access services over the NBN, on a trial basis," said Mr. Hassell.

"The trial will extend to the other first release sites in the months following to eventually cover several hundred end-users. This testing phase is a critical step in building the network, working with RSPs and integrating our operating systems as we aim to provide best possible service when commercial services commence."

The NBN Co onboarding program is a process by which NBN Co works with RSPs to prepare them for accessing the network effectively and efficiently.

Internode managing director Simon Hackett said Internode supported the NBN as the best way to future-proof telecommunications in Australia for the next 50 years. "Accordingly, Internode is very committed to the NBN and expects to engaged with NBN Co in every new service area on the day that each service area opens up in the future," he said.

Read more about Internode and the National Broadband Network First Release sites