NSW Digital Connectivity Index common questions
The Connectivity Index assesses digital connectivity through three key elements:
Access: this evaluates the availability and quality of digital connectivity in a specific location, using data on coverage and performance.
Affordability: it assesses whether the cost of connectivity is reasonable for the local community, considering income levels and the expenses associated with accessing digital services.
Demographics: this factor measures important social characteristics in the area, such as skills, education levels, age demographics and specific needs for assistance, all of which can impact the effective use of digital tools and connectivity.
The Connectivity Index also provides an indication of digital activities that can be performed while on the move (via mobile networks) and while stationary (via fixed networks).
At this stage any NSW government agency, including emergency services can be provided access to the agency version of the tool. The request can be made online via the Index tool itself.
The Index’s “Suburb” filter refers to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ “Suburbs and Localities”, which are the officially recognised boundaries of suburbs (in cities and larger towns) and localities (outside cities and larger towns) as defined by the State and Territory governments of Australia.
Local Government Areas are gazetted by local government boundaries as defined by each state and territory. Local Government Areas cover legally designated parts of a State or Territory for which incorporated local governing bodies have responsibility.
It should be noted, there is no connection between Suburbs and Localities and Local Government Areas. These boundaries are defined external to NSW Telco Authority.
The Connectivity Index combines data from over 220 million data points, including geographical data with indicators like coverage, network performance, income and demographics. It was then combined with data from existing best practice indices and tested with stakeholders to create a comprehensive benchmark for connectivity. The data and the methodology have also been independently verified.
The data is mainly based on 2022 dates and is continuously updated together with related data sources.
Majority of the data used by the Index tool is sourced from public sites. There is no personal or commercial in confidence data used in the Index tool. The tool adheres to the privacy and data frameworks set by NSW Government.
Yes. NSW Government agencies can use the tool to combine Connectivity Index information with other data sets to explore critical issues or themes. For example, it can be overlaid with data on roads, bushfire-prone areas, or car accidents to identify road segments that should be prioritised for improvements, improving safety and efficiency.
The Index and its scores are a reliable source of meaningful digital connectivity data that provides public users with greater transparency on digital connectivity across the state. Users are enabled to:
Understand how their connectivity ranks in comparison to other areas.
Access vital information about potential connectivity challenges during transport routes across NSW, ensuring they are better prepared.
Assess whether local area connectivity meets their needs.
For example, a user has moved to Sydney from Singapore and wants to know what connectivity is like in Sydney where they are planning to reside.
Please reach out to our team at connectivityindex@customerservice.nsw.gov.au