Friday, 24 May 2019

Morwell businesses and residents will get access to high-speed broadband up to 10 times faster than currently available as part the Andrews Labor Government’s push to improve digital connectivity across regional Victoria.

The $1.1 million grant awarded to Spirit Telecom will provide a high-speed, fixed-wireless broadband service covering Morwell, including the CBD, Tech School & Innovation Precinct and Gippsland Logistic Precincts.

Once the service is operational, users can expect download and upload speeds of up to one gigabit per second.

Spirit Telecom will offer the service to businesses at prices much lower than currently available for business-grade broadband in regional Victoria.

Morwell’s community will also benefit from the availability of faster speeds with residential plans set to be much better than those currently available.

Delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Connecting Regional Communities Program, Spirit will build and maintain the network with construction expected to be complete by 2020.

The Labor Government is also connecting regional Victoria by delivering improved mobile coverage, piloting new broadband networks for businesses in Horsham and Geelong, and installing free public Wi-Fi in Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and Geelong.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula  

“Having access to fast internet in regional Victoria is a priority, and the Victorian Government is doing all it can to ensure better connectivity throughout the state.” 

“Congratulations to Spirit on being awarded the Connecting Regional Communities grant. Being better connected will help Morwell’s businesses to boost the local economy and create jobs.” 

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“This is great news for Morwell businesses and the wider community, and I look forward seeing the positive impact faster internet will have for one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional centres.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing 

“Delivering high-speed broadband to Morwell will be a huge boost for an area that is in need of improved internet, and I’m proud the Andrews Labor Government is leading the charge.”