The Australian Government has delivered its first major milestone under the Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia Plan, with $480 million provided to NBN Co to upgrade the NBN fixed wireless network.
The Plan will deliver improved broadband and mobile coverage in regional Australia, including through investment in the NBN. This will support Australian businesses delivering to both local and overseas markets, and communities seeking access to a cutting-edge broadband connection.
Consumers in the fixed wireless footprint will benefit from access to increased download speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps), with up to 85 per cent able to access 250 Mbps. The upgrade will also deliver typical wholesale busy hour speeds of at least 50 Mbps. This will benefit an estimated 755,000 premises.
Fixed wireless coverage will be expanded to cover a further 120,000 currently satellite-only premises. By settling funding arrangements now, NBN Co will be able to increase Sky Muster data allowances and product inclusions in coming weeks, with further enhancements to follow after the upgrades are complete. This will benefit around 300,000 premises.
With this funding in place, NBN Co can now get to work and roll out the fixed wireless upgrades over the next two and a half years. Further information about when, where, and how these improvements will be rolled out will be available from NBN Co over the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Michelle Rowland
"The Albanese Government is dedicated to bringing Australians together; from regional and rural Australia, to our inner cities. Our new Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia Plan will ensure regional Australians are connected through faster internet and better mobile coverage."
"Our plan will deliver tangible benefits to regional Australians, by improving safety, enhancing connectivity and increasing productivity through cutting-edge broadband connections."
"The NBN was announced in 2009 as a key investment in the nation's future, and this upgrade continues our commitment to ensure regional, rural and remote communities aren't left behind, and that Australia remains at the forefront of digital connectivity."
MONDAY, 27 JUNE 2022
