BRUNSWICK residents are a step closer to getting super-fast broadband, with technicians now installing the first pieces of the national broadband network in Melbourne's north.

A small section between Lygon Street and Sydney Road was chosen by NBN Co to test deployment methods in medium-density suburban areas, and Telstra has been contracted to install the fibre underground. Technicians examined ducts and pipes on residential streets this week in preparation for full construction.

''Construction should be under way by mid-October,'' said NBN Co community relations manager Peter Randall, ''[but] in terms of going live, we don't really have a date around that.

''We will be getting in contact with residents and businesses and talking to them about the consent process.''

Households must provide consent for technicians to connect their house with the fibre running along the street, or they miss out on free installation.