The Hon Michelle Rowland MP

Minister for Communications

Dan Repacholi MP

Federal Member for Hunter

MEDIA RELEASE

13 February 2023

FAMILIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN HUNTER TO BENEFIT FROM FULL-FIBRE NBN UPGRADES

Households and businesses in Wyee, Wangi Wangi, Wallsend, Singleton, Glendale, Edgeworth, Cooranbong, Cessnock, Cardiff and Bonnells Bay will be able to upgrade to a full-fibre broadband connection as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better NBN.

These upgrades are part of the NBN’s fibre upgrade program which has been boosted by the Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment to expand full-fibre access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025. This includes over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

The copper broadband network – a legacy of the former Coalition Government – is slower, less reliable and more likely to experience prolonged faults.

In contrast, world-class fibre broadband means faster upload and download speeds, and a more reliable connection for local residents. The benefits are even more pronounced for larger households if many devices are used, as higher speeds means the whole family can be online at the same time.

An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be available to them over copper.

NBN Co expects eligible premises announced today will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering the positive change Australians voted for.

For a full list of eligible suburbs or to register for updates, visit: www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers.

For more information on the Albanese Government’s investment, visit: www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/albanese-government-delivers-major-nbn-boost-2022-23-federal-budget.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is an economic and social necessity that will drive productivity improvements and global competitiveness.

“For too long, locals residents and small businesses in the Hunter electorate stuck on the Coalition’s ageing copper network have been held back by slow and unreliable broadband.

“The Albanese Government’s $2.4 billion investment will enable the NBN’s full potential. We’re giving Australian families and small businesses access to the world-class broadband infrastructure they deserve.

Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP:

“I’m proud to belong to a Government that’s delivering on its plan for a better NBN.

“These investments will make a meaningful difference to the quality-of-life for locals.

“This is a nation-shaping investment, ensuring more Australians – including right here in Wyee, Wangi Wangi, Wallsend, Singleton, Glendale, Edgeworth, Cooranbong, Cessnock, Cardiff and Bonnells Bay – can take advantage of an increasingly digital global economy.”