Thousands of Victorian businesses can look forward to better internet connections, with the Victorian Government and NBN Co striking a landmark deal to improve connections around the state.
The Government is investing $73 million as part of the agreement, which will see broadband upgrades delivered in 120 locations across Victoria over the next two years through the $550 million Connecting Victoria program.
The first round of upgrades will see more than 1,000 Victorian businesses in 12 locations get access to faster and more reliable fibre internet - making it easier for them to handle large files, video conference and capture real-time data.
The improvements will see NBN build infrastructure for improved fibre connections free of charge, with businesses only needing to pay to connect to the service.
Currently, if a business wants fibre they need to pay for the building of the fibre as well as a contract. The Victorian Government is subsiding the infrastructure to minimise costs for businesses, leaving them to only pay for their internet plan.
Businesses in Pakenham North, Pakenham South, Cranbourne South, Dromana, Lara, Colac, Hamilton, Portland, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Warragul and Benalla will be the first to benefit from the roll out.
Businesses in the first 12 towns and sites will be able to contact NBN to order the new connections from September 1, with work expected to be completed within 90 days of each order.
With improved internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second and 24/7 support from NBN Co, businesses will be able to move more of their operations online.
These are the first of many broadband improvements that will be delivered, with Connecting Victoria investing $250 million to improve broadband.
As part of the Connecting Victoria program, the Government is calling for community feedback on places where better broadband and mobile connectivity is most needed.
For more information or to submit feedback, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria.
As stated by Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"Improving internet connections around the state will allow businesses to expand, do things differently and employ more people."
"This will give regional businesses the opportunity to connect to high-speed and high-capacity Enterprise Ethernet at no upfront cost - on par with what's on offer in Melbourne's CBD."
As stated by NBN CEO Stephen Rue
"We are delighted to work with the Victorian Government to identify opportunities to co-invest in the development and delivery of new NBN infrastructure to support small and medium businesses."
