The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) has struck an agreement with NBN Co to seriously boost internet speeds for thousands of households across the State.
Announced by the Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford, the agreement is to boost speeds across 54 suburbs in Victoria’s outer suburban, regional and rural areas.
Ms Pulford said broadband connections would be improved with more than 1,000 kilometres of fibre, which was “almost the distance between Melbourne and Sydney”.
“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,” she said.
“Better connectivity in Victoria is critical in creating more opportunities for jobs, supporting small business and keeping people connected.
“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 one gigabit per second, this is typically 10 times faster than currently available.”
Ms Pulford said the superfast speeds would make it easier for people to connect with loved ones and work or study from home.
The Minister said all fibre funded by the State was due to be rolled out by mid-2024, with some locations to be able to connect from mid-2023.
“This project is delivering better internet services for thousands of families and businesses, now and in the future,” she said.
Further information on the fixed wireless network upgrades can be accessed at this PS News link.