Technology
Dandenong secures major funding for fibre and mobile network upgrades
New funding initiatives are reshaping how the region connects, targeting both high-speed fibre upgrades in Dandenong and mobile network expansion in the Dandenong Ranges.
How we reported this
A series of targeted infrastructure investments is currently redrawing the digital map of the south-east, focusing on fibre-to-the-premises upgrades for Dandenong (3175) and a significant expansion of mobile tower capacity throughout the Dandenong Ranges. These projects, backed by both federal and state funding, aim to rectify long-standing connectivity gaps that have historically hampered data speeds for households and businesses alike.
Expanding High-Speed Access in the Urban Core
In Dandenong (3175), the focus remains on migrating legacy connections to full fibre. According to service availability data, residents currently using Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) technology are eligible for Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) upgrades [1]. This transition requires a commitment to a 12-month contract for an NBN Home Fast plan, providing speeds of 100/20 Mbps or higher [1]. Parallel to this, the Federal Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative continues to support eligible families who lack home internet, with dedicated support booths operating out of the Dandenong Market and the Civic Centre until the program concludes on 31 December 2025 [2].
Infrastructure Challenges in the Ranges
Connectivity challenges take a different form in the Dandenong Ranges, where topography remains a major obstacle to reliable service. Data indicates that 25% of tested locations in the nearby Yarra Ranges area suffer from unusable network quality [3]. To address these geographical constraints, the $255 million Connecting Victoria project has committed to constructing two new mobile towers in each of the communities of Cockatoo, Selby, Tremont, and Mount Dandenong, with all construction expected to conclude by 2026 [4].
These efforts complement infrastructure improvements occurring in the outer south-east corridor. In Dandenong South, the Connecting Victoria program has overseen the upgrade of 11 existing towers from 4G to 5G technology, alongside the construction of four additional towers designed to bolster local coverage [5]. These regional investments mark a shift in how utility funding is being allocated to accommodate both residential growth and the increasing data demands of local enterprise.