The Andrews Labor Government is boosting internet speeds for thousands of households and businesses with upgrades to fixed wireless networks underway.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford today announced the $73 million Labor Government agreement with NBN Co, improving broadband connections with more than 1,000 kilometres of fibre, almost the distance between Melbourne and Sydney.

Over the next two years more than 34,000 residences and around 7,700 businesses across 54 suburbs – including  Roxburgh Park, Pakenham South, Balnarring, Geelong, Grovedale, Buninyong and Wendouree – will benefit from speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, this is typically 10 times faster than currently available.

The superfast speeds 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 new infrastructure will deliver better internet services where they are most needed.

Part of the funding will also go towards Business Fibre Zones where the Government is subsiding infrastructure to minimise costs for businesses. Businesses in these zones can start connecting from April.

All fibre funded by the 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 Government’s the $550 million Connecting Victoria program, fast-tracking better connections, and builds on upgrades launched in August 2021 improving internet services for around 10,000 businesses.

More upgrades to services across more locations will be announced throughout 2022. To keep up to date, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford

“Better connectivity in Victoria is critical in creating more opportunities for jobs, supporting small business and keeping people connected.”

“This project is delivering better internet services for thousands of families and businesses, now and in the future.”

Quote attributable to NBN Co Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Will Irving

“Today’s announcement will build fibre deeper into suburban and regional Victoria, providing more homes and business with the opportunity to access higher speed broadband.”