Over a million premises in regional, rural, remote and peri-urban areas will have access to higher speeds on NBN fixed wireless services or greater data limits on Sky Muster services thanks to the Australian Government’s plan for a stronger future. 

The Australian Government is investing $480 million in critical infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing economy, helping the country reach the goal of becoming a top ten data and digital economy by 2030. 

“By using the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology, this upgrade will extend the coverage range from a tower, and allow higher-speed services to everyone served by the tower,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said. 

“This means more people can be served by NBN fixed wireless; it means higher speed services on the NBN fixed wireless network, and it means higher amounts of data can be used by households and business customers.” 

The upgrade is said to expand the fixed wireless footprint coverage by up to 50 per cent, enabling 120,000 additional premises to access fixed wireless services instead of Sky Muster satellite services. 

The total cost of this network upgrade is $750 million, with the remaining $270 million being contributed by NBN Co out of its own funds. 

Under this new upgrade, NBN will offer 100 Mbps to all 750,000 premises and a 250 Mbps service to 85 per cent of premises. This allows much higher actual speeds during the “network busy hour”, from 6 Mbps to at least 50 Mbps. This allows customers to benefit from a sharp increase in the actual speed of their current plan. 

Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie said the investment would drive major improvements to regional telecommunications quality by helping to bridge the digital divide many communities face. 

“The NBN is a critical part of our national infrastructure and economy, enabling employment, connecting families, and supporting business,” Minister McKenzie said. 

“This investment provides a comprehensive response to Recommendation 6 of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review, and is one part of a suite of measures we will announce as part of the Liberal and National Government’s response to the Review in coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the $480 million funding boost in major network upgrades would significantly improve services to customers, particularly those in regional and peri-urban areas. 

“This is another important investment in the NBN that will deliver better and faster internet to Australian households and businesses across the fixed wireless network,” Minister Birmingham said. 

“The NBN has been there to support Australians throughout the pandemic. Our Government will continue to make critical investments in the NBN that will enhance the internet experience for households and businesses right now and into the future.” 

The 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review was chaired by Luke Hartsuyker with four other committee members: Ms Sue Middleton; Ms Kristy Sparrow; Professor Hugh Bradlow; and Mr Michael Cosgrave. 

The Committee’s report, titled Step Change in Demand, was presented to the Australian Government in December 2021 and tabled in parliament on 14 February 2022. 

This article was first published on CommsRoom

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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