Fixed wireless networks across Victoria are being upgraded by the Victorian Government and NBN Co, boosting internet speeds for thousands of local households and businesses.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford announced the $73 million agreement for improving broadband connections with more than 1,000 kilometres of fibre between Melbourne and Sydney.
“Better connectivity in Victoria is critical in creating more opportunities for jobs, supporting small businesses and keeping people connected,” Minister Pulford said.
“This project is delivering better internet services for thousands of families and businesses, now and in the future.”
It is expected that over 34,000 residences and around 7,700 businesses across 54 suburbs will be benefitting from the increased internet speed, making it easier for people to connect with loved ones and work or study from home.
Victorians living across our outer suburban, regional and rural areas have made it clear there are major connectivity issues holding back businesses and impacting people’s lives.
This investment in better fixed wireless networks will deliver upgraded internet services where they are most needed.
“Today’s announcement will build fibre deeper into suburban and regional Victoria, providing more homes and businesses with the opportunity to access higher-speed broadband,” NBN Co Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Will Irving said.
Part of the funding will also go towards Business Fibre Zones where the Victorian Government is subsiding infrastructure to minimise costs for businesses. Businesses in these zones can start connecting to the new infrastructure starting this April.
All fibre funded by the Victorian Government is due to be rolled out by mid-2024, with some locations being able to connect from mid-2023.
The announcement is part of the $550 million Connecting Victoria program which fast-tracks better connections and builds on upgrades launched in August 2021 to improve internet services for around 10,000 businesses.
More upgrades to services across more locations will be announced throughout 2022.
Source: Premier of Victoria Media Release