It’s never been more important to be connected – for family, community, work and safety – and the Andrews Labor Government is asking Victorians to help identify where mobile and broadband improvements are most needed.
The Government is fast-tracking better mobile coverage and broadband across the state through the record $550 million Connecting Victoria program.
Connecting Victoria will enable more businesses to take advantage of digital opportunities with more reliable, better value broadband in more places, including popular shopping streets and business parks.
The program builds on the state’s $130 million investment in connectivity projects since 2014 and will bolster the state’s economic recovery.
From today, businesses and individuals can have their say on priority locations through a dedicated website. Businesses and individuals will be able to pinpoint on an interactive map where they are experiencing a problem with mobile coverage or internet access by adding a marker. They will also be able to describe the problem.
The program will focus on getting more Victorians access to business-grade broadband and upgrading mobile coverage, improving 4G mobile coverage, helping more places become 5G ready, and improving access to safety information during bushfires and other emergencies.
The first locations to receive upgrades or new infrastructure are expected to be announced later this year, with more to follow across the state. Insights gained through consultation will help deliver better connectivity in more places across regional Victoria and outer suburban Melbourne.
The Victorian Government will encourage the Commonwealth Government and telecommunications providers to co-invest in the delivery of new infrastructure.
New mobile and broadband infrastructure will mean more jobs and a boost for local businesses and will help Victorians stay connected to loved ones. It will give more Victorians the opportunity to participate in the online world, with better mobile coverage at home and when out and about.
To have your say, visit vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
“A lot of people don’t give connectivity much thought – because they have it at their fingertips. For others, lack of broadband and mobile reach is a persistent issue.”
“We want our record investment to fast-track mobile and broadband connectivity to help as many people as possible – and that’s where the community’s voice is vital.”
“Connecting Victoria will be a game-changer for many Victorians – helping them work, study, access safety and emergency information or just connect with loved ones wherever they are.”
Reviewed 27 June 2021