Media Release: $4.5 billion investment to increase regional connectivity

NBN Co has announced a $4.5 billion investment that will deliver higher speed broadband services and greater capacity to millions of customers living and working in premises across Australia.

They have announced the first 130 (of the 240) key growth areas included in the initiative, which includes Toowoomba, as well as other Queensland regional locations.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and NBN Co facilitated a small round table event on October 7 which discussed the latest NBN announcements and what this means for businesses located in Toowoomba and surrounds.

These 130 initial locations are now eligible to access premium business grade fibre and CBD zone pricing for business NBN™ Enterprise Ethernet.

Many of the strategic growth locations will be centered on major hospitals and health facilities, providing a boost for essential services and health innovation. 

The investment also includes the NBN™ Business Fibre Initiative which will help accelerate economic growth in the post-pandemic world.

TSBE General Manager of Energy and Infrastructure, Lance MacManus said the announcement was a win for the region.

“This is a significant announcement that will ensure businesses across our region are provided the best connectivity possible with competitive pricing – the same as major city CBD pricing,” said Mr MacManus.

“With the NBN™ Business Fibre Initiative, our economy will be able to invest in digital growth and capability like never before.”

“We’ll now have regional businesses with close to gigabit-capable fibre, ensuring higher productivity and job opportunities.”

“This initiative will ensure that regional Australia is not at a disadvantage for connectivity and infrastructure and we will have compatible speeds of connectivity and prices similar to metro areas,” said Mr MacManus.

As a part of the 2021 Corporate Plan, the details outline significant investment plans for the network and NBN’s desire to partner more closely with all levels of governments to achieve NBN’s purpose: to lift the digital capability of Australia.

The Corporate Plan also details important initiatives recently announced to support Australian businesses to digitally transform by making it easier and more affordable to connect to business grade fibre.