Labor reveals $3 Billion Proposal to Finish NBN Project and Boost Internet Speeds

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed a $3 billion (US$1.8 billion) initiative to finalize the National Broadband Network (NBN) and boost internet speeds. This plan comes as Labor and the Coalition kickstart their election campaigns.

This investment will enhance fibre-to-the-node connections and introduce 622,000 new fibre connections, with more than half going to regional and rural areas.

Once the upgrade is completed by 2030, over 11 million homes and businesses will have access to speeds of up to 1GB per second, a significant upgrade from the current average of 76.64 Mbps.

“Labor initiated the NBN, and only Labor will complete it,” stated Albanese.

Upgrades to Benefit 622,000 Premises

Households now use ten times more data than when the NBN was first introduced.

“Whether Australians are working remotely, running businesses, studying online, accessing telehealth, gaming, or streaming content, faster speeds will improve the internet services they rely on every day,” said NBN Co Chief Executive Ellie Sweeney.

She explained that the upgrade will bring fibre technology to the remaining 622,000 homes and businesses that still use outdated fibre-to-the-node connections.

“This announcement is the final piece of the puzzle… today’s news means faster and more reliable internet for millions of Australians.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland described the announcement as a “long-term investment” with “long-term benefits” and emphasized the crucial need to replace aging copper lines.

Election Campaigns Intensify

Albanese used this announcement to target the Coalition in the lead-up to the federal election, criticizing their previous stance on the NBN.

Last year, the government introduced a bill to secure public ownership of the NBN, a move not supported by the Coalition.

Albanese called on the opposition to ensure the network remains public, cautioning that it could otherwise be privatized to the highest bidder.

“The Coalition previously wanted to halt the rollout of fiber and maintain a copper-based NBN, as they believed it was only for downloading videos and movies,” Albanese explained.

“They failed to understand that the NBN is essential for productivity, economic growth, and job creation. It shapes our way of life.”

He highlighted the NBN’s role in enabling telehealth, education services, and supporting a modern economy, labeling the plan as crucial for the country’s future.

Coalition Rejects Labor’s NBN Policy as a ‘Stunt’

Albanese’s government has consistently opposed privatization of the NBN. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland reaffirmed this position shortly after the 2022 election, confirming that the network would remain publicly owned under her leadership.

In October, they proposed a bill to prevent the privatization of the NBN, which the Coalition dismissed as a “disappointing and futile move.”

“Labor has not delivered relief on the cost of living and has resorted to creating diversions,” remarked Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman.

He mentioned that the Coalition would “review” the proposed legislation.