June 25, 2026

Businesses Get Better Connected At Chamber’s Business Breakfast Briefing

Jannah Baker, Emma Murphy, Giulian Grasso  

Local business owners and professionals gathered recently for the Whitsundays Chamber June Business Breakfast Briefing presented by Emma Murphy of nbn Co., gaining valuable insights into internet connectivity, technology options, and network upgrades available across the Whitsundays.

One of the key discussion points was the difference between residential and business-grade internet services. Attendees learned that eligible premises across the Whitsundays have access to a range of residential, business and enterprise-grade fibre options, with business-grade services offering faster upload speeds and enhanced support.

Cait Fleming & Annie Lloyd Lewis  

The briefing also addressed some of the most common questions received by nbn Co. representatives.

Many attendees were surprised to learn they have access to a wide range of retail service providers and are not limited to a single provider.  

Sue Birch, Julia Wheway  

Another topic of strong interest was fibre upgrades. More than 12,000 premises across the Whitsunday region are currently eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Unlike ageing copper infrastructure, fibre is less susceptible to environmental factors such as water ingress, corrosion, and temperature fluctuations, providing a more reliable and weather-resilient connection.

Luke Sheppard, Amanda Anderson, Kylie March

Attendees also heard that older Wi-Fi routers can often contribute to poor internet performance, while router placement within a home or business can also significantly impact connectivity. Upgrading equipment or introducing a mesh Wi-Fi system can often improve performance.

The session reinforced the importance of reliable digital infrastructure in supporting local businesses.

Marlene Reiffel, Janice Lake, Jade Yvonne

Dr Julia Evans & Emma Murphy leading discussions. Photo credit: Suzanna Mcloughlin