Families and businesses rely on affordable high-speed internet, and Australia is making it a reality with an equity injection of up to $3 billion to upgrade the nation’s remaining fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) network. NBN Co will also contribute more than $800 million to support this transformative project.
NBN Co will remain in public ownership, ensuring Australians continue to benefit from affordable prices for high-speed internet.
While the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout is being completed, some political opponents propose leaving Australians on outdated copper connections. The Liberal and National parties have also indicated plans to privatise NBN Co. In late 2024, Peter Dutton led his party in voting against legislation to keep NBN Co in public hands., an official press release said.
Fast, reliable, and affordable internet is a cornerstone of any modern economy. Improved connectivity boosts national productivity, drives innovation, and creates jobs.
Modelling by Accenture estimates that the FTTN upgrade program will contribute a $10.4 billion cumulative uplift in GDP over the next decade. Households could save more than 100 hours and $2,580 annually through reduced travel time and costs by accessing faster broadband.
The new FTTN upgrades will deliver access to higher internet speeds for approximately 622,000 additional premises, with completion expected by 2030.
This investment builds on the $2.4 billion already allocated for FTTN upgrades, which has provided faster and more reliable broadband to 1.5 million premises, including 660,000 in rural and regional communities.
The upgrades are being delivered on time and within budget. When the program is complete, over 94% of premises on the fixed-line network—more than 11 million homes and businesses—will have access to speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
For more complex premises, additional design analysis will be conducted, with some upgrades delivered through alternative technology solutions offering speeds up to 400 Mbps.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Keeping Australians connected at an affordable price is a vital national project. Rolling out high-speed internet builds Australia’s future.
“Labor built the NBN, just like we built Medicare and superannuation. Peter Dutton wants to dismantle it, just like he wants to undermine Medicare and other essential services Australians rely on.”
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