THE national broadband network has been switched on for island residents, a move welcomed by local businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19.
More than 9000 homes and businesses on Coochiemudlo, North Stradbroke and the Southern Moreton Bay islands can now connect to a plan over the network.
It comes after eight months of construction work.
SMBI Chamber of Commerce president Jasmine Person said the NBN was an important tool to support businesses increasingly using electronic communication.
"COVID-19 has forever changed the way businesses operate, some more significantly than others," she said.
"This pandemic has shown businesses that adaptation is key to a successful business.
"Businesses and their employees can now work effectively from home on the Bay Islands and existing businesses can provide a more reliable and efficient service to their customers or clients."
QYAC chief executive Cameron Costello said the NBN would bring desperately needed services to North Stradbroke Island.
"WiFi is definitely an issue on the island (and) access to quality telecommunications is essential for the island's future."
Bowman MP Andrew Laming said island residents had been desperately waiting for the announcement.
"We're conceding there had been delays to the islands and we'd hoped they would have been done earlier," he said.
"Mobile coverage is difficult in some parts, which makes (the NBN) especially important including for emergency communications.
"We're already getting reports of ... what you'd call Formula One speeds.
"This also brings the Redlands rollout to an end."
There are a small number of properties with complex connections that have not yet been connected.
Kylie Lindsay, head of nbn local for Queensland, said fast broadband could benefit residents who needed to access online learning or work remotely.
"Residents ... should ask their phone and internet provider about the typical speeds they can expect to experience when they switch to a plan over the NBN access network, particularly during busy times," she said.
"They should also seek advice on how to set-up their internet connection correctly to receive the best possible speed.
"It's important to remember that making the switch is not automatic."
She said residents should be wary of scammers pretending to collect payment on behalf of NBN Co as the rollout continued.
"NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not request money direct from consumers," she said.
"NBN Co do not make unsolicited calls, request remote access to a resident's computer or door knock to sell broadband services to the public."
