The Andrews Labor Government is investing $1.7 million to better connect Horsham with high-speed broadband that will deliver internet speeds 10 times faster than what is currently available through the Liberal and Nationals botched NBN.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today announced a partnership with Spirit Telecom that will close the digital divide in Horsham, giving local businesses access to the latest wireless infrastructure that will deliver symmetrical gigabit broadband – on par with Melbourne and other major metropolitan centres in Australia.
The fixed-wireless service will cover all of Horsham including the Horsham CBD, Horsham enterprise park, Aerodrome and freight terminal with speeds up to one gigabit per second in both directions.
The new network is expected to be capable of providing high-speed broadband to businesses and households outside of central Horsham, in locations such as Longerenong, Dooen and Haven.
Spirit Telecom will offer the service to businesses at prices significantly lower than currently available for business-grade broadband services in regional Victoria. These prices will be competitive with the best available in metropolitan Melbourne.
Horsham families will also benefit from the availability of faster speeds with residential plans likely to present much better value for money than current offers.
Spirit Telecom will build and maintain the network, which is being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s Connecting Regional Communities Program.
The purpose of the pilot is to demonstrate new models for delivering high speed broadband into regional areas, which generally have limited availability of business-grade internet services.
Project construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 but the first services, available in limited areas, could be offered as soon as mid next year.
Only Labor is breaking down the digital divide. Visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The Liberals and Nationals botched the NBN. Only Labor is delivering high speed broadband in Horsham, to create new opportunities for local businesses and reduce the cost of broadband for families.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis
“We’re breaking down the digital divide, making local Horsham businesses more competitive and enhancing the town’s reputation as a great place for business and tourism.”
Quote attributable to Spirit’s Managing Director Geoff Neate
“Spirit Telecom is proud to be partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver a super-fast Internet ring around Horsham using the latest technology, positioning Spirit as a leader of high speed Internet in the Telco’ industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020