$60 million boost to improve connectivity in the regions
The NSW Government will invest $60 million to boost internet connectivity for communities across rural and regional NSW where satellite is the only option.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new Gig State funding grants would improve connectivity where it is needed most and deliver faster and more reliable internet services.
“The NSW Government is leading the way by investing in solutions to ensure our communities get the connectivity they need and deserve,” Mr Toole said.
“We are committed to investing in solutions that improve the speed, price, quality and choice of internet providers for those in the regions now and into the future.
“Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do – and it’s this kind of investment that will ensure more people can enjoy living, working and travelling in regional NSW.”
Mr Toole said digital connectivity is typically a federal responsibility, but the NSW Government has taken a leadership role through Gig State to better connect the regional communities with the fewest service options.
“Gig State will transform regional areas with new internet infrastructure and levels of connectivity that were unimaginable just a few years ago and ensure our communities get the services they deserve,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said having a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital connectivity initiatives, will enable people, businesses and emergency services to stay better connected across NSW.
“The NSW Telco Authority works with the Department of Regional NSW and providers to fill gaps in the network in order to give more regional communities access to reliable high-speed internet,” Mr Dominello said.
“The NSW Connectivity Strategy will also support this aspiration through better planning coordination and investment in public broadband infrastructure on government property assets.”
Gig State is part of the $400 million Regional Digital Connectivity program delivering improved regional connectivity through better mobile, internet and digital services.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw. Full details of the Gig State grants are available at www.nsw.gov.au/gigstategrant.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 21 November.