Border and North East businesses will soon be able to get their NBN fibre upgraded in a major investment in the national broadband network.
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Albury, Lavington, Wodonga and Wangaratta businesses have been included in NBN Co's Business Fibre Zone which covers 85 regional areas across the country and allows businesses in those postcodes to request a fibre upgrade through their internet service provider at no upfront cost.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the initiative delivers better options for "critical IT applications".
"These include cloud storage and online collaboration, helping our local businesses stay ultra-competitive in the digital age," she said.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said the rollout would be a major boost to local businesses.
"It comes at a particularly welcome time for businesses who've been hit hard by COVID-19," he said.
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"It also perfectly aligns with of our Two Cities One Community Smart Communities Strategy which aims to drive growth in Albury and Wodonga by harnessing the digital technology that will revolutionise our economy and liveability."
Minister for Regional Communications Mark Coulton said the regional zones allows business the chance to benefit from the transformation to NBN wholesale business pricing, which will bring regional pricing into line with capital cities.
"Businesses within NBN Co's Business Fibre Zones across the country will have access to CBD zone wholesale prices, driving annual cost savings of between $1,200 and $6,000 for those based outside capital city centres," he said.
The initiative is part of a $700 million package to upgrade business fibre.