Reliable mobile coverage and faster internet services for Gippslanders were key issues discussed during Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester’s visit to Aussie Broadband’s new Traralgon office.
Mr Chester met with Aussie Broadband Chief Executive Officer Brian Maher and toured the company’s new Grey St premises, which accommodates about 250 employees across its call centre and corporate teams.
Mr Chester said reliable telecommunications were vital for regional communities and remained particularly important for farmers, businesses, travellers and residents in more remote parts of Gippsland.
“Good mobile coverage and reliable, fast internet are no longer luxuries, they are essential to the way we live, work and run our businesses in regional areas,” Mr Chester said.
“Connectivity underpins everything from modern agricultural technology and business management to communication during an emergency.
“For families, it is essential for work, education, healthcare and staying connected.”
Aussie Broadband raised mobile coverage in rural and remote areas as a key issue, including proposed changes aimed at expanding voice and text coverage across Australia and the role satellite technology may play in delivering services in harder-to-reach areas.
Mr Chester said improving coverage needed to remain a priority, particularly in communities vulnerable to natural disasters.
“We all want to see the mobile black spots eliminated, but whatever technology is used, the focus has to be on delivering a reliable and resilient service for people living and travelling in regional areas,” Mr Chester said.
“When something goes wrong in a remote area, being able to make a phone call can literally save a life.”
Internet speeds in regional Australia were also discussed, with Aussie Broadband arguing the existing minimum broadband benchmark of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload no longer reflects the way regional households, farms and businesses use the internet.
The company is advocating for a minimum standard of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload by 2028, supported by the continued rollout of full fibre infrastructure.
“Technology has changed enormously, and the amount of data families and businesses rely on has increased dramatically,” Mr Chester said.
“Regional Australians shouldn’t receive a second-rate digital service simply because of where they live.
“If we want to attract investment, support modern agriculture, grow regional businesses and give young people the opportunity to live and work in Gippsland, we need telecommunications infrastructure that keeps pace with the rest of the country.
“Connectivity in all its forms is fundamental to regional growth, productivity and community safety, and we need to keep investing in the infrastructure that allows Gippsland to compete.”
Mr Chester also welcomed Aussie Broadband’s continued investment in Gippsland, including its new Traralgon office and partnerships with TAFE Gippsland, Federation University and the Gippsland Tech School to support regional skills and career pathways.
“It is great to see a business with strong regional roots continuing to invest locally and provide skilled employment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Aussie Broadband Chief Executive Officer Brian Maher.
