Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged a $3 billion boost to complete the National Broadband Network (NBN) upgrade, promising high-speed internet to millions of Australians as both major parties gear up for the looming election.
The funding will extend fibre-to-the-node connections, reaching 622,000 homes, with over half of those located in regional and rural areas. Once finished by 2030, the upgrades will provide 11 million homes and businesses with access to speeds of up to 1GB per second, significantly outpacing the current average speed of 76.64 Mbps.
“Labor created the NBN, and only Labor will finish it,” Albanese declared, adding that the network would remain in public hands under his government.
NBN Co CEO Ellie Sweeney said the investment would provide essential internet infrastructure for a modern economy, supporting work-from-home, online learning, telehealth, and more.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland highlighted that the funding would deliver faster, more reliable broadband to Australians currently stuck with outdated copper lines.
The announcement also set the stage for a fierce election battle, with Albanese accusing the Coalition of wanting to privatise the NBN. He challenged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to guarantee the network’s public ownership.
“Last year, the Coalition voted against keeping the NBN in public hands. This time, they must choose: support public ownership or let the network be sold off to private interests,” Albanese said.
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