In June, the Victorian Government announced a survey as part of its $550 million Connecting Victoria program, asking Victorians to identify where mobile and broadband are most needed.

Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said the program and the survey are a big opportunity for regions to let the government know about their connection issues.

"Communities only have until 20 September to have their say on mobile and broadband problems across the state," she said.

"It is vital for families, communities, jobs, education and businesses that rural and regional areas get the broadband services they need.

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"It is not lost on us that this is an internet survey and rural and regional Victorians need a good internet connection to inform government that they have substandard internet service.

"Even in lockdown, we must do the best we can, even if it means phoning a friend with better internet services to ask for their help filling in the survey.

"Broadband services are even more important than they were just 18 months ago.

"The pandemic has seen a surge in Melburnians moving to rural and regional Victoria. Lockdowns mean that workers need good broadband so they can work from home and children are being educated over the internet."

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With the deadline for the survey closing on September 20, Cr Brown urged residents to complete the survey to improve safety in their area.

"It is vital that rural Victorians have their say. Good mobile and broadband coverage is vital for individuals, families, businesses and the work of emergency services across rural Victoria," she said.

"Without taking part in the survey, there is a danger that some of the communities worst affected won't get the services they urgently need.

"Quality mobile phone connectivity and broadband are essential for small businesses, education, families, emergency services and visitor economies to thrive.

"Far too many parts of rural Victoria still lack effective mobile phone access and broadband, cutting entire communities off from an essential service that most Victorians living in cities take for granted.

"Digital connectivity creates opportunities and decreases barriers to business, education, tourism and social interaction.

"In an emergency this lack of mobile coverage can put lives at risk."

The survey can be accessed at online on the Connecting Victoria webpage.

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