Remote First Nations communities to receive free Wi-Fi and training as part of Digital Connectivity Project

Twenty one regional and remote First Nations communities will receive free public Wi-Fi, improved connectivity and digital literacy support. Read how the rollout will happen.

Twenty one regional and remote First Nations communities across the Northern Territory will receive Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity upgrades as part of the federal government’s Digital Connectivity Project.

Participating regions include Barkly, Central Desert, MacDonnell, Roper Gulf, Tiwi Islands, Victoria Daly, and West Daly with communities receiving free public Wi-Fi, improved mobile phone connectivity, and digital literacy support in the form of training and a physical help desk.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour said it was vital that First Nations people have the same access to the internet and mobile services as Australians living in more populated areas.

“It is a question of equity,” she said.

“Mobile services in the bush are important not only for keeping connected with others but they also have safety implications which are amplified in remote areas.

“Whether you are applying for a job, paying bills or checking your bank account, digital inclusion is a necessity.”

Remote and regional First Nations communities will receive taught digital literacy training alongside the rollout of digital upgrades. Picture: iStock

In March, the government announced more than $25 million in funding in support for former Cashless Debit Card program communities, with a dedicated $7.5 million over 2022-23 to 2023-24 for mobile and internet services and digital literacy support.

The project was designed in close consultation with Northern Territory communities, reflecting the specific needs for increased phone and internet services in targeted areas.

Upgrades in eight of the 21 communities will be delivered in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Remote Indigenous Communities Telecommunication Project.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the digital upgrades would help narrow the digital divide between remote, rural and metro communities. Picture: David Swift

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the project would help narrow the digital divide by focusing on three key pillars: access, affordability, and ability.

“These upgrades will help ensure First Nations communities in the Northern Territory can take advantage of an increasingly digital world to stay connected, entertained and informed,” Minister Rowland said.

“Just installing new services without providing adequate training does little to narrow the digital divide if it means locals can’t properly use the service.

“Complementing these new services with digital literacy training will mean local residents can get online and stay connected more effectively, and help upskill other members of the community who may not have had ready access to these technologies before.”

In July, the federal government launched its First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan which aims to give all Australians the same access to affordable internet and telco services by 2026.