Local businesses will soon be eligible to access improved broadband speed after Hamilton was this week announced as one of 11 regional Business Fibre Zones to be established as part of the ‘Victorian Gigabit State Program’.
The Victorian Government has committed $73 million to co-fund new NBN infrastructure in key areas of Victoria to help level the playing field between regional and metro services. The Business Fibre Zones are being created across the State, with retail service providers offering local businesses business-grade fibre connections at no upfront build costs from NBN co.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said becoming a Business Fibre Zone will mean local Hamilton businesses are able to access internet speeds of up to 1GB at more affordable rates.
“Seeing Hamilton listed as one of the Business Fibre Zones is really exciting as it will help to reduce the significant cost variation of business broadband services in regional and rural areas compared to the city,” said Cr Colliton said.
“Local Hamilton businesses will now have more equitable access to business-grade fibre connections at a lower rate and we hope that this improved connectivity will help drive local businesses into the future and potentially attract new business into the region.
“This announcement comes off the back of a number of years of significant investment and effort from Council into growing our digital economy within the Southern Grampians shire,” Cr Colliton continued.
“Over the last few years, Council has worked hard to develop and champion regional digital innovation including the introduction of the highly successful Digital Innovation and Smart Agriculture (DISA) festival and the implementation of smart communities’ infrastructure including town WIFI for improved connectivity for residents, and enhanced safety via the installation of CCTV cameras and smart lighting around the region.
“The inclusion of Hamilton as a Business Fibre Zone will go a long way to helping us position Hamilton as a significant regional business hub within the State. From working closely with local businesses, we know that this announcement has the potential to see major growth in digital capability, skill development and innovation so we look forward to learning more about this project as information is released,” concluded Cr Colliton.
Regional localities listed as new Business Fibre Zones alongside Hamilton include Benalla, Colac, Cranbourne South, Dromana, Lara, Packenham North, Packenham South, Portland, Warragul and Wonthaggi-Inverloch.
Further information on this program will be made available to businesses in the coming months.