When it comes to the National Broadband Network, Wollongong will be one of the most connected cities in the country by the end of next year.
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NBN Co spokesman Darren Rudd said 8 million premises would be connected by 2020 and Wollongong was "right at the head of the pack" and poised to overtake Coffs Harbour for the title of most connected in the state.
"If you look at the footprint that we have here, we have plans under way for 30,000 premises by September 2016," Mr Rudd said.
"That is the largest footprint so far [in NSW]. In Coffs Harbour, we're past 25,000 already - and that's done. We have passed 18,000 here.
"The build here will surpass Coffs Harbour by the number of premises under way or connected by September 2016."
Mr Rudd was in Wollongong on Wednesday to officially open the NBN Connect Roadshow in Crown Street Mall.
Until April 24, people can attend the roadshow in the mall to ask questions about the NBN or experience free NBN-powered Wi-Fi at nearby restaurant The Living Room.
While there was plenty of information available on the NBN Co website, Mr Rudd said the ability to talk to someone face to face would help improve people's understanding of the network.
"I think the more people talk to us the better, so we can clarify things," he said.
"This is not a simple thing, it's not commonsensical. For example, just in understanding why we start, where we start and why we build it the way we do.
"People might think we just start from one point and then cover the whole place but we start in different pockets for a whole range of engineering reasons.
As well as the roadshow in the mall, there will also be Q&A kiosks set up at Westfield Figtree until April 18, Dapto Markets on Sunday and Stockland Corrimal from April 20-24.
ghumphries@fairfaxmedia.com.au