The federal government yesterday released maps showing the reach of their National Broadband Network.

Towns including Heathcote, Maldon, Chewton, Elmore and Dunolly will be connected to the optical fibre network that will be available to 93 per cent of homes by the end of the roll-out.

Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said the network meant Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maryborough and Kyneton were set to join the digital revolution.

“People, businesses and schools in central Victoria will enjoy the benefits of faster, modern technology – sharing the same advantages as the capital cities,” he said.

This will make regional economies more competitive, ensure our students have the best quality education and put an end to long download times at home.”

The National Broadband Network will offer speeds of 100 megabits per second, 100 times faster than currently available.

Average data rates for those with wireless and satellite services will experience rates around 20 per cent faster.

The map revealed every house, school and business in Australia would have access to high-speed broadband and that more than 1000 towns and cities would have access to the optical fibre network by the end of the project rollout.

Mr Gibbons said the coalition would end the roll-out and cut off regional Victoria from the rest of the world.

“(Tony Abbott) would send central Victoria backwards and he is a risk to our regional economy and to quality education in the area,” he said.

But Liberal candidate for Bendigo Craig Hunter said central Victorians were right to be disappointed that the current government had bungled the delivery of faster broadband services to local communities.