More than 12,000 homes and businesses across Gilmore, including Kiama, are now enjoying faster internet speeds following a $480 million upgrade to NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless and Satellite services.

Around 12,570 premises from Kiama to Moruya can now access broadband speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, delivering smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections - even with multiple devices online at the same time.

The fixed wireless upgrades have significantly improved average download speeds for households, increasing from approximately 48 Mbps in 2022 to over 100 Mbps today. The use of advanced 4G and 5G wireless technology has also enabled an additional 120,000 premises across Australia to access fixed wireless services for the first time, with around 1,640 premises in Gilmore moving from satellite to fixed wireless connections.

NBN Co has introduced two new high-speed tiers: approximately 90 per cent of premises within the fixed wireless footprint can now access download speeds of up to 200-250 Mbps, while around 80 per cent can reach speeds of up to 400 Mbps. These improvements will help meet the increasing demand for data, with the average Australian household now using over 450GB of data per month, a figure expected to more than double by the end of the decade.

The upgrades also include enhancements to NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service, which provides essential connectivity for more than 200,000 regional and remote households and businesses. Customers can now access unlimited data through NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus Premium, offering download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, emphasised the importance of reliable internet for regional communities, saying, “Fast, reliable, affordable internet is an essential building block of any modern economy, boosting productivity, enabling innovation and creating jobs. Families and businesses in our regions and suburbs should have equal access to the opportunities the NBN delivers.”

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, highlighted the significance of the upgrades for South Coast residents, including those in Kiama.

“These upgrades mean communities across the South Coast won’t get left behind and will be able to enjoy the benefits of higher-speed broadband,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Stronger, reliable service is so important in our region, and underground infrastructure means the service will also be more resilient during future natural disasters.”

The investment in these upgrades is part of the Albanese Government’s broader commitment to strengthening Australia’s digital infrastructure. The $480 million upgrade complements an additional $3 billion equity investment aimed at expanding the nation’s fibre network.

For Kiama residents and businesses, these improvements promise enhanced digital connectivity, supporting everything from remote work and online education to telehealth and small business operations. With these upgrades, the South Coast is better positioned for the digital demands of the future.