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Parts of Latrobe Valley get free WIFI and better mobile reception with $1.3M funding boost from state government and Connecting Victoria

Free WiFi will continue to be available in parts of the Latrobe Valley, while residents, businesses and visitors will soon have access to better mobile reception thanks to the Andrews Labor government.

By news@gippsland - 26th August 2022 - Back to News

The $1.3 million Labor government investment is boosting regional connectivity by extending free public WiFi across the Latrobe City Council area giving residents and visitors in Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Churchill, Tyers, Yinnar, Boolarra, Yallourn North and Glengarry easier internet access.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford MPwith Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan and Deputy Mayor Dan Clancey

Fast free internet connectivity

The extended network will be delivered by Latrobe City Council using council infrastructure and a number of telco service providers. It will give regional Victorians, businesses, schools and students in Latrobe access to fast free internet connectivity and help promote the region as a great place to work, live and do business.

Separately, the government will also upgrade six mobile towers in the area from 4G to 5G through the Connecting Victoria program. These upgrades will be delivered through partnerships with Optus and TPG Telecom. The telcos have agreed to share infrastructure at some of these sites, giving locals a choice of mobile provider and improving competition.

Delivering improved services

The work will be carried out between 2023 and 2025 to deliver improved services across more than 295 square kilometres in Latrobe, benefiting more than 67,000 premises. Places that will be covered include:

• Callignee and Callignee South
• Carrajung
• Churchill
• Glengarry North and Glengarry West
• Hazelwood and Hazelwood South
• Jeeralang Junction
• Koornalla
• Loy Yang
• Traralgon, Traralgon East and Traralgon South
• Tyers and Yinnar

The government's $550 million Connecting Victoria program is fast-tracking improvements to mobile coverage and broadband access across the state. More projects in locations across the state will be announced throughout 2022.

Enhancing connectivity

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said, "We're investing in extending free WiFi access and improving reception coverage because internet access and mobile connectivity is important for everyone, no matter where they live."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "This will benefit so many by improving visitor experiences, helping local businesses and residents to access technology and stay better connected."

Mayor of Latrobe City Council Kellie O'Callaghan said, "Digital connectivity is crucial to Latrobe City's economic transformation, supporting business growth, enhancing liveability and our visitor economy."

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com