- Prime Minister Albanese announces $3bn investment to upgrade Australia’s NBN with fibre-optic connections.
- The upgrade will deliver gigabit-speed internet to 11 million homes by 2030.
What happened: Albanese announces $3B investment to upgrade NBN
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $3 billion to improve Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) by replacing old copper connections with fibre-optic technology. The upgrade will benefit 622,000 homes, especially in rural areas, and will provide faster, more reliable internet. In addition to the government’s funding, NBN Co will invest $800 million to complete upgrades to the fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) network. The goal is to provide 11 million homes and businesses with internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second by 2030.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland explained that the copper network is degrading, with speeds dropping by around 4% each year. The fibre upgrades will address these issues, ensuring better connectivity for Australians. Albanese highlighted that the NBN is essential national infrastructure and vowed to keep it in public hands.
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Why it’s important
The $3 billion investment is a key move for Australia’s digital future. As more Australians rely on the internet for work, education, and everyday life, having fast and reliable connections is essential. By replacing copper with fibre-optic connections, the government is ensuring that more people, especially in regional areas, can access high-speed internet.
The upgrade will also benefit Australia’s economy. It will help businesses stay competitive, improve access to education, and support innovation. NBN Co CEO Ellie Sweeney pointed out that the network carries more than 80% of the country’s internet traffic. With these upgrades, the Albanese government is securing a more connected and competitive future for Australia, ensuring the NBN remains a public asset for the long term.
