Linking rural and regional Australia
Tasmania first
The roll‑out of the National Broadband Network will begin in Tasmania. The Tasmanian network will be a mix of fibre optic and wireless services.
Tasmanians will be the first beneficiaries of local jobs created during the project.
Rural and Regional NBN Initiative
Complementing the national network roll‑out, the Government will provide $80 million, comprising:
- $60 million for an enhanced Digital Regions Initiative for local projects
- $5 million for NBN Coordinators tp promote broadband take‑up in regional communities
- $15.3 million for the ABC's Regional Broadband Hubs creating community broadband material.
Overcoming the tyranny of distance
High‑speed broadband will revitalise our regions, provide new job opportunities, drive efficiency and improve the delivery of social services. High‑speed broadband in regional and remote Australia will help connect communities, families and friends.
In regional and remote areas, wireless and satellite technologies will make broadband services available to every home and workplace. Reliable broadband will help overcome the challenges of distance that arise from the size of our nation.
The National Broadband Network will improve people's lives by offering more convenient access to specialist services, information sources and tools. Better access to broadband will support e‑health initiatives and enhance remote learning opportunities.
Improving the backbone of the network
The Government is investing $250 million to address priority 'blackspots' in the major network transmission links in regional Australia. This is a key part of the new National Broadband Network. It will drive competition and assist the coverage of broadband services and mobile networks in rural and regional Australia.
