Canberrans will benefit from a major upgrade to the National Broadband Network (NBN), with almost 100,000 premises across the ACT set to get access to faster, more reliable full‑fibre internet connections.
The significant investment from the Albanese Labor Government will mean even more ACT homes and businesses will have access to full‑fibre connections, upgrading from the current copper‑based fibre‑to‑the node (FTTN) networks.
In the ACT, this will deliver improved speeds and less interruptions to an additional 97,000 homes and businesses and by December 2030, 94 per cent of premises in the ACT will reach gigabit capability, doubling the number of premises that are currently gigabit capable.
The number of premises across the ACT includes:
- Belconnen: 28,477
- Tuggeranong: 21,744
- North Canberra: 14,810
- Woden Valley: 12,657
- Weston Creek: 9,802
- South Canberra: 8,109
- Canberra east: 763
- Gungahlin: 160
Canberrans deserve access to faster and more reliable internet connections especially as more and more conduct their work and leisure online just like other communities in cities and towns around Australia.
The Albanese Government's investment will not only make staying in touch with loved ones and friends easier, but it will importantly make access to essential services, education, working from home, streaming and gaming faster and more reliable.
NBN has been working closely with Evo Energy to overcome some of the hurdles the rollout has faced by using backyard power poles. After extensive investigations and trials, they've concluded that building underground will be the most efficient and cost‑effective delivery option for the majority of the fibre rollout.
Demand for data and speeds are increasing all the time with the average Australian household consuming 443 GB of data per month, across over 20 connected devices.
With gigabit capable broadband under the Albanese Labor Government's investment, the NBN will deliver the speed Australians deserve - up to 18x faster than the average copper broadband connection - with the upgraded network less likely to drop out or degrade.
Upgrades are expected to be completed in the ACT by 2030.
The Government will deliver this significant milestone while also guaranteeing NBN Co will remain in public ownership.
Australians owning NBN Co is the best means of ensuring prices for high‑speed internet remain affordable for all Australians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher
"Canberrans have raised connection speeds and reliability with me for many years saying they struggled to work from home, couldn't properly stream their favourite shows or game with a stable and fast connection.
"It's not good enough that in 2025 ACT residents have inferior NBN connections. That's why the Albanese Government is delivering faster and more reliable internet and is committed to completing the job of upgrading the NBN in the ACT.
"Labor introduced the NBN when previously in government and the Coalition made a mess of it, rolling out substandard copper connections during their decade in government. We're getting on with the job of fixing it.
"Canberrans deserve fast, reliable and affordable internet, and they'll only get that under an Albanese Labor Government."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
"It's 2025, and there's no sector, no industry, and no business which doesn't rely on internet access.
"It's essential infrastructure now, and absolutely critical for our future.
"This investment is about ensuring more Canberrans can have the NBN they deserve, with the speed and reliability that they need for study, work or recreation."
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh MP
"From buffering to booming: Canberra is getting a broadband upgrade thanks to the Albanese Government. We're laying the groundwork - literally - for a faster ACT, upgrading almost 100,000 homes to access full‑fibre."
Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP
"Access to fast and reliable internet is essential in today's world, whether it's for work, study, or staying connected with family and friends.
"The Albanese Government's investment will deliver real benefits to our community, with almost 100,000 Canberra homes and businesses gaining access to world‑class broadband.
"Labor built the NBN because we knew how critical it would be to Australia's future, and we're committed to finishing the job to ensure Canberrans have the high‑speed, reliable internet they deserve."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bean, David Smith MP
"This is a great commitment by the Albanese Labor Government to further invest and upgrade in the NBN.
"Thanks to the former Government, for too many years homes across southern Canberra have had to tolerate inadequate internet and I am pleased the local Labor team has worked to find a way forward that will deliver high speed internet to many more homes in Bean."
