The Hon Michelle Rowland MP

Minister for Communications

The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Member for Eden-Monaro

As part the Albanese Labor Government’s $480 million investment to improve broadband connectivity in regional areas, around 24,000 homes and businesses across Australia will be able to upgrade to NBN fixed wireless for the first time – including areas in Eden-Monaro.

This represents more than 20 per cent of the total 120,000 premises that will be eligible to move to a fixed wireless connection by December 2024.

The satellite-to-fixed-wireless flip is being enabled by the installation of new technology on towers providing fixed wireless services, boosting the signal to reach more households and businesses 

Making this technology switch will mean faster and more consistent speeds for families and small businesses in Eden-Monaro, as well as access to higher speed plans.

Eligible areas in Eden-Monaro include Bemboka, Binalong, Bodalla, Bombala, Dalgety, Nimmitabel, Tumut, and Yass (full list of areas below).

In addition to expanding fixed wireless access, the Albanese Government has invested $2.4 billion to enable an additional 1.5 million premises to transition from a slower copper connection to world-class full-fibre by 2025 – over 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.

The Government is also trialling a new unmetered NBN Sky Muster satellite service that it hopes will boost internet quality in the bush.

NBN Co will write to eligible premises to access the new fixed wireless service from mid-April onwards.

Residents and small businesses are encouraged to visit nbn.com.au/regionalinvestment to register for updates.

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

“The work in improving broadband quality and service across Australia – including in rural and regional areas – is never done. It’s not a set-and-forget.

“That’s why the Albanese Government is expanding fixed wireless access across the country to ensure local residents and businesses outside our major cities have faster and more reliable internet.

“Our Government is working across the NBN network – from fixed line, to fixed wireless, and satellite technologies – to deliver the quality communications infrastructure Australians rightly expect and deserve.

“I encourage Australians currently served by satellite technology to check the NBN website to see if they are eligible to make the switch.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“Access to fast and reliable connectivity is as essential as electricity and running water – it’s central to operating businesses, studying and working from home, and to keeping in touch with family and friends.

“We know that many areas in Eden-Monaro face unique challenges with their connectivity due to their remoteness and terrain, which is why the Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in improving this.

“These upgrades to NBN fixed wireless will make such a huge difference to so many communities in Eden-Monaro, and will ensure that locals have access to modern connectivity that meets their current and emerging needs.”

Eligible locations for satellite-to-fixed-wireless upgrades in Eden-Monaro: