One of Ballarat's leading internet experts has continued his call for better equipped online infrastructure as more and more people move towards working from home.
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George Fong said while the National Broadband Network (NBN) is currently performing as expected, slowing internet speeds for some throughout the region showcase a need for more work to be done going forward.
"We have no idea which way is up at the moment," he said.
"What we do know is that we've had to adapt to a COVID-19 normal, which means more people are working online.
"So far the NBN is acting as it should, but given the fact that that is for the here and now, we need to look forward to what is needed going forward in terms of updating Australia's network.
"The pandemic has shown that Australia is capable of working online, and now we need a network that is built for that purpose."
With the NBN performing at its expected capacity, Mr Fong said Ballarat residents may have to continue putting up with so-so internet speed depending on where in the region they are based.
Strengthening the online infrastructure is something Mr Fong also believes will lead to the potential for tremendous growth in regional Victoria, both in terms of people and businesses moving away from metropolitan Melbourne.
"The speed and reliability of regional Victoria's internet connection is going to determine a lot of things going forward," he continued.
"There's been a lot of talk about how the Melbourne CBD could be dying, because businesses could look to move regionally for a fraction of the cost if their staff can work from home.
"Of course this pandemic has not been a good thing, but it has brought on necessary changes that we will not move away from. Moving more people and businesses to regional Victoria because of the capacity to work online is a good thing for Ballarat."
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