Rural and regional Australians on fixed wireless to benefit from NBN investment

28 June 2022

The Federal Labor 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 and will support Australian businesses and communities seeking access to a cutting-edge broadband speed.

Consumers in the fixed wireless footprint, which includes properties in a number of areas in the Bendigo Electorate, 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 Mpbs. This will benefit an estimated 755,000 premises.

Fixed wireless coverage will be expanded to cover a further 120,000 currently satellite-only 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 out rolled out will be available from NBN Co over the coming months.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters MP

“Our plan will deliver tangible benefits to Central Victorians, by improving safety, enhancing connectivity and increasing productivity through improving the NBN fixed wireless network.”

“This is great news for the Bendigo Electorate. We have a large NBN fixed wireless footprint across the region.”

“Our Government is committed to ensuring that regional and rural Australians aren’t left behind. This vital investment will keep our regions at the forefront of digital connectivity.”