Farrer MP Sussan Ley has welcomed plans from the nbn which will see higher broadband speeds made available ‘on demand’ to fixed-line areas of Farrer.

Ms Ley says from next week most Albury and Lavington businesses will be able to request a fibre upgrade through their internet service provider with no upfront costs.

“This is a fabulous new initiative and covers 85 business districts outside of the capital cities and will deliver better options for critical IT applications, including cloud storage and online collaboration, helping our local businesses stay ultra-competitive in the digital age.”

“NBN will also be allocating $50 million to help expand these zones by co-investing with local councils and state governments.”

The $700m Business Fibre Initiative forms part of the company’s latest Corporate Plan which will see an extra $6 billion invested into Australia’s broadband network, partnering more closely with communities, industry to help lift the digital capability of Australia.

It includes plans to make nbn’s highest wholesale speed tiers available, as demand arises, to approximately 75 per cent of homes and businesses on the fixed-line network by 2023.

$1.5 billion will also be invested in improving fixed wireless and satellite networks, plus an expansion of fixed-line networks to regional areas.

Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher, said “In the past year, nbn exceeded its rollout targets to reach more than 99 per cent of Australian premises, quickly restored and maintained connectivity for bushfire affected communities, and met the broadband needs of households and businesses when they needed it most during COVID-19.”

“The Corporate Plan will see the nbn continue to deliver social and economic benefits for Australians by generating jobs and economic growth, meeting growing demand from households, providing enhanced business services, and supporting regional Australia.”

You access nbn’s 2020-21 Corporate Plan here.