A plan to replace unreliable internet connections will grant two million homes access to faster internet, thanks to the National Broadband Network’s (NBN) fibre upgrade program. The $2.4 billion investment in the 2022 budget aims to improve internet speed and connectivity for Australians.
Under the program, eligible households can request an upgrade to full-fibre services at no additional cost. However, to qualify, they must opt for higher speed plans through their internet provider. The average household now has 21 connected devices, and this number is expected to grow, increasing the demand for faster and more reliable internet.
NBN’s chief customer officer, Anna Perrin, emphasized the need to stay ahead of the increasing demand for broadband. She urged customers to check with their internet providers to ensure their plans offer sufficient speed and data inclusions.
The upgrades are a significant advantage for data-intensive activities, such as gaming. For example, downloading the latest Call of Duty game could take under 30 minutes with the upgrade, compared to potentially seven hours on older connections.
The investment will also expand access to regional areas, benefiting over 660,000 premises across the country. Around 500,000 homes in New South Wales and Victoria are expected to benefit from the upgrades.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland praised the investment, stating that it would allow more Australians to upgrade from their “old copper service.” Fibre-to-the-home was a part of the Labor Party’s original NBN plan but was replaced by a mixed technology approach by the Coalition after the 2013 election.
