THOUSANDS of homes in Melbourne’s west have been wiped off a rollout map to receive the fibre broadband network.

More than 4500 households in Footscray and 2400 in Werribee that were marked for the planning stage have been removed from the schedule.

Existing copper networks were expected to be integrated into the National Broadband Network in these areas as part of a “multi-technology mix” rollout strategy.

The Leader reported in ­December that construction work was to begin by June 2016.

It’s unclear if these areas will face delays and what technology will be used but it is unlikely to be a ­hybrid fibre.

NBN spokesman Michael Moore said while there were some changes to the rollout plan, work to make the service available to premises in Footscray and Werribee had already been completed or was under way.

“Spending public money wisely on a project of the scale of the National Broadband Network means that our rollout plans must be flexible enough to accom­modate local factors,” Mr Moore said.

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He said they needed to test and make ­decisions about the specific technologies and configurations that would work best in each location.

“The early experiences of consumers and businesses on our trials demonstrate that existing technologies are capable of playing a vital role in delivering the NBN quicker, more efficiently and more cost effectively for all Australians,” he said.

Maribyrnong federal Labor MP Bill Shorten said the broadband program had been turned from a rollout into a roll-back, reverting from fibre optic technology to copper wire.

Mr Shorten said on top of that a $600 charge would be levied for connection of new homes.

Lalor federal Labor MP Joanne Ryan said her ­electorate already had poor internet service, which was now going to get worse, not better.

Ms Ryan has been ­undertaking a survey about broadband provisions with feedback revealing the community’s frustration with slow speeds while others can’t get the internet connected to their home due to no ports being available until the NBN is rolled out.

To check if the NBN is available at your home or business visit nbnco.com.au

AT A GLANCE:

■ The NBN will be made available to every household by 2020

■ NBN’s multi-technology mix strategy plans to deliver broadband using either fibre to the premises, fibre to the node, fibre to the building or hybrid fibre coaxial cables as well as fixed wireless and satellite connections

■ 4800 homes in Footscray and 2400 homes in Werribee that were marked for the planning stage have been removed from the schedule

■ Construction work was to begin by June 2016

■ It’s not known what technology will be used

■ A $600 charge will be levied for connection of new homes