Thousands of households and businesses will have access to improved connectivity as upgrades to fibre broadband get underway across the state.

The Victorian Government is partnering with NBN Co to improve broadband connections with more than 1,000 kilometres of fibre, more than the distance between Melbourne and Sydney.

Over the next two years, more than 34,000 residences and around 7,700 businesses across 54 suburbs – including Roxburgh Park, Pakenham South, Balnarring, Geelong, Grovedale, Buninyong and Wendouree – will benefit from speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, which is typically 10 times faster than currently available.

The superfast speeds will make it easier for people to connect with loved ones and work or study from home.

Victorians living across outer suburban, regional and rural areas have made it clear there are major connectivity issues holding back businesses and affecting people’s lives.

This investment in new infrastructure will deliver better internet services where they are most needed.

New Connecting Victoria broadband projects

For illustrative purposes only.

Part of the funding will also go towards five new Business Fibre Zones, where the Government is subsidising infrastructure to minimise costs for businesses. Businesses in these zones can start connecting from April.

All fibre funded 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 $550 million Connecting Victoria program, fast-tracking better connections, and improving internet services for around 10,000 businesses.

More upgrades to services across more locations will be announced throughout 2022.

To keep up to date, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria  or subscribe to receive Connecting Victoria updates

Article originally published DJPR News: 28 March 2022