The Coalition Government will be providing $157 million to deliver fast and reliable telecommunications services in Northern Australia after a significant investment in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

This investment will be delivered under the $811.8 million Connecting Regional Australia initiative, which will expand mobile coverage and address blackspots, target localised telecommunications needs, enhance resilience to natural disasters, trial emerging technologies, boost Indigenous connectivity and improve digital capability in the regions.

Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie said that since telecommunications are an essential service, communities in Northern Australia would receive improved services that respond to local needs under the Coalition.

“The Connecting Regional Australia initiative is the cornerstone of the Coalition Government’s response to the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review and will further upgrade telecommunications in our regional, rural, remote and outer-urban communities across the nation,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The Coalition Government has dedicated funding from the Connecting Regional Australia initiative for Northern Australia to ensure we deliver the digital infrastructure people in the north deserve. As a first step, a proportion of Connecting Regional Australia funds will be earmarked for projects in Northern Australia which support the objectives of the Our North Our Future 2021-2026: Targeted Growth plan.”

According to Minister McKenzie, the “Our North Our Future 2021-2026: Targeted Growth” plan will help deliver upon the Coalition Government’s priorities to deliver a strong economy and a stronger future in the North.

A total of $1.3 billion was allocated in the Federal Budget toward telecommunications, including the Connecting Regional Australia initiative and major upgrades to NBN’s Fixed Wireless and Satellite networks.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Coalition Government’s investment would improve access to the digital economy for First Nations communities, regional communities and businesses in the growth area of Northern Australia.

“This investment will provide either an upgrade or in some cases, the first digital connections for businesses. It will extend the economic and social benefits of high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services to Australians living and working in the north,” Minister Littleproud said.

“As part of the Connecting Northern Australia initiative and Regional Connectivity Program, $72.4 million of funding was allocated to mobile and digital connectivity projects following an exceptionally strong response, highlighting the importance – and our commitment – to delivering high quality telecommunications infrastructure and keeping communities connected.

Only the Coalition has a plan to deliver a strong economy and a stronger future for Northern Australia.

Source: 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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