Businesses and residents across Greater Bendigo will be able to access faster internet thanks to the Connecting Victoria program, which will see the Andrews Labor Government and NBN partner to improve broadband in 54 places across Victoria.
State Labor Members for Bendigo Maree Edwards MP and Jacinta Allan MP today welcomed the news that 2,412 residences and 291 businesses in the region will benefit.
In Elmore, Kennington and Kangaroo Flat, the state government is funding NBN to run fibre along the streets in these areas. In return, NBN has committed to install a fibre connection at no charge to premises where an order for a 100 megabit per second service is placed with a retail service provider.
About 1,015 kilometres of fibre is being installed across the state to give Victorians access to internet download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, making it easier for people to connect with loved ones, achieve their work or study goals, boost their businesses and create jobs.
Victorians can find out whether they are eligible for an FTTP connection and register their interest on the NBN website. All FTTP fibre funded by the Victorian Government is due to be rolled out by mid-2024, with some locations being able to connect from mid-2023.
Through the Connecting Victoria engagement program, residents across Victoria told the Victorian Government that they need better access to the internet so they can work and study remotely, or access telehealth and community safety information.
Businesses said they need better connections to work more efficiently and capture growth opportunities. That’s why the Victorian Government is fast-tracking better connections in as many places and as quickly as possible through the $550 million Connecting Victoria program.
More locations will be announced throughout 2022. To keep up to date, visit www.vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria.
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“I’m pleased to be able to tell residents and businesses in our community that soon they will have the opportunity to sign up to faster and more reliable internet.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“This is exciting news for Greater Bendigo and these communities know how important internet service is to stay connected to family and friends, and to work and study from home.”