RESIDENTS in Heyfield, Nambrok, Cowwarr and Coongulla are a step closer to a high-speed internet connection, with consultation underway for the construction of new fixed wireless towers.
Gippsland MHR Darren Chester said NBN Co would begin consulting with local councils and communities regarding the construction of fixed wireless towers at sites across Wellington and East Gippsland.
Bairnsdale, Lindenow and Lindenow South are among the proposed locations in East Gippsland.
Mr Chester said the fixed wireless network would use advanced 4G technology to deliver speeds of up to 25 megabits per second, which was faster than speeds achieved over the ADSL network in major cities.
“This listing of 27 towns in Wellington and East Gippsland is another step forward in the NBN rollout and I look forward to seeing more towers going up so residents can access high-speed internet,” Mr Chester said.
He said access to the internet was critical for creating jobs and the government wanted to speed up the rollout to regional and remote towns that don’t have reliable or affordable web access.
Mr Chester said once completed, the new fixed wireless network would enable multiple high definition videos to be streamed at one time and give more equitable access to eHealth and distance education services.
He said the federal government had commissioned two new satellites to be launched next year to provide an NBN service to more people in remote areas.
Mr Chester said in the Gippsland electorate, about 5300 premises were now able to order an NBN service.
