The State Government’s Connecting Victoria program is helping regional Victorians across the state benefit from improved broadband coverage delivered through the construction of new nbn towers.
Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins said the latest upgrades ensured that Victorians could continue accessing faster broadband coverage when they need it, offering residents and businesses access to download speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second through their chosen internet provider.
“Connecting Victoria will benefit over 1.8 million homes and businesses across the state — keeping Victoria the best-connected state in the country and helping communities thrive through stronger digital access,” Ms Hutchins said.
The broadband towers are the first to be completed as part of Connecting Victoria’s Satellite to Fixed Wireless upgrades and provide the nbn Fixed Wireless service to more than 1700 premises.
The new towers are also designed to allow for faster download speeds in future.
The towers have been delivered in partnership with NBN Co and are located in Merino, Casterton, Maryborough East and West, Skipton and Lexton.
The Connecting Victoria program aims to deliver more than 1300 mobile and broadband projects across the state, with over 900 of these in regional areas.
More than 130 high-speed broadband projects have been completed so far, with further Fixed Wireless projects expected to be completed this year in further areas, including Clunes, Castella, Warne, Cann River and Bright.
Connecting Victoria is the single largest investment in mobile and broadband infrastructure made by any state.
“The nbn Fixed Wireless network is a core part of our network, and regional Australian homes and businesses are benefiting from faster nbn speeds and more reliable connectivity in busy periods than ever before,” head of nbn Local Victoria, Emily Peel said.
“People will be able to do more online, with more devices, at the same time.”
The Labor Government is fast-tracking telecommunications infrastructure and working with the Commonwealth to address connectivity issues across the state. Improved mobile and nbn internet connectivity has an important role to play in helping to keep people, businesses and communities connected during emergencies.
Victorians can check if they’re eligible for a Fixed Wireless service via the ‘check your address’ function at the nbn website. Find out more about the Connecting Victoria program at vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria.
