Cranbourne is one of 54 locations in Victoria set to receive improved internet speeds with upgrades to fixed wireless networks underway as part of the Connecting Victoria program.
Over the next two years more than 34,000 residences and around 7,700 businesses across 54 suburbs – including Pakenham South, Roxburgh Park, Balnarring, Geelong, Grovedale, Buninyong and Wendouree – will benefit from speeds of up to one gigabit per second – typically 10 times faster than currently available.
The Victorian Government announced the $73 million agreement with NBN Co, improving broadband connections with more than 1,000 kilometres of fibre – almost the distance between Melbourne and Sydney.
Victorian Minister for the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said the boost would improve internet connection for households and businesses.
“Better connectivity in Victoria is critical in creating more opportunities for jobs, supporting small business and keeping people connected,” Ms Pulford said.
“This project is delivering better internet services for thousands of families and businesses, now and in the future.”
Victorians living across our outer suburban, regional and rural areas experience major connectivity issues, holding back businesses and impacting people’s lives.
NBN Co chief strategy and transformation officer Will Irving said the upgrade will make it easier for people to connect with loved ones and work or study from home.
“Today’s (Monday 28 March) announcement will build fibre deeper into suburban and regional Victoria, providing more homes and business with the opportunity to access higher speed broadband.”
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 $550 million Connecting Victoria program to fast-track better connections and build on upgrades launched in August 2021.
More upgrades to services across more locations will be announced throughout 2022.
To keep up to date, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria
