Free public wi-fi for remote communities

By KEIRA JENKINS

More than 20 communities will have free wi-fi in public spaces through a $20 million government program to address the digital divide in remote areas.

Twenty-three communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia have signed up for the $20 million program, which Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said was an important step in “narrowing the digital divide”.

“Free and reliable wi-fi is a gamechanger for remote First Nations communities – opening up new social and economic opportunities and better access to important services,” she said.

“Importantly, this program is being designed and delivered in close consultation with communities.”

Free and reliable wi-fi is a gamechanger for remote First Nations communities Senator McCarthy said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said more communities would be part of the program.

“Digital connectivity is essential for all Australians, whether they live in a city of millions or a remote community of less than 100 people,” she said.

The government has also promised a First Nations digital support hub, a network of digital mentors and improved national data collection to support digital inclusion for Indigenous people.

The $68 million commitment was developed with the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

The group is due to release its First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap on Tuesday.

Senator McCarthy said the roadmap was developed from “extensive consultations with communities across Australia”.

“The roadmap recognises the importance of place-based solutions and puts First Nations people and communities at the centre of this work,” she said.