17 towns and local government areas can expect better services thanks to the confirmed upgrades, including Wimmera townships of Kaniva, Hopetoun, Lascelles, Halls Gap and Broughton.

The state government has said they will invest $12.2 million, from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, and secured a further $37.3 million investment by partners Telstra, NBN Co and the federal government for the upgrades.

As part of the project, Telstra will deliver improved mobile coverage at Lascelles and Halls Gap with NBN Projects to be delivered in Hopetoun and Kaniva.

READ MORE:

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said digital connectivity was at the core of Victoria's economic recovery as they aimed to deliver the most affordable and accessible internet for businesses, employees, students and all Victorians.

"Better connectivity will provide wonderful benefit to these communities," she said.

"It will create opportunities for local businesses to grow, and more members of the community to be connected to each other."

OTHER NEWS:

Telstra Regional General Manager Steve Tinker said the new 4GX mobile site near Broughton will make a big difference in helping agri-business.

"We'll build a brand new 4GX mobile site at Broughton to provide new and improved coverage and capacity to the town and surrounding region as well as providing improved IOT coverage to help farmers and agri-businesses," he said.

"The new site will mean improvements in mobile voice and data connectivity for residents and visitors in the area and means faster mobile data speeds and a better experience for mobile users.

"We'll not only boost connectivity through new and improved mobile coverage in regional communities but, as part of the Regional Connectivity Program, we'll also be able to strengthen and expand our network so we can continue to deliver for regional Victoria."

Detailed planning work is progressing and construction is set to start as soon as possible on the nine key projects across Victoria Telstra secured as part of the Regional Connectivity Program.

Over the last 18 months, Telstra has built base stations at Yanac and Telopea Downs.

NBN Co-Chief Development Officer Regional and Remote Gavin Williams said the internet improvements would make it easier for rural townships to be connected.

"For the residents of Rushworth, Teesdale, Timboon, Murchison, Hopetoun and Birregurra this funding means they will soon have the option to access fixed line NBN services," he said.

"This involves enhancing their ability to participate in the digital economy to access to the full range of online community, government and healthcare services, stream entertainment content on demand and stay connected to friends and family."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: