Connecting Country Communities Fund announced
The NSW Government will invest at least $50 million to improve phone and data connectivity in regional and rural NSW.
Part of the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, the Connecting Country Communities Fund will invest in communications infrastructure to connect regional NSW businesses to global markets and schools with innovative learning resources.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said poor mobile and slow internet coverage were two of the biggest issues faced by people living in regional and remote NSW.
“Whether you need to stay in touch with your family or run a business, if your internet isn’t fast or affordable, or your phone coverage isn’t up to speed it is simply crippling,” Mr Barilaro said.
The NSW Government has already committed $39 million in a co-investment with the Commonwealth Mobile Blackspots Program supporting over 174 towers under the program and delivering 36 new or upgraded mobile base stations in regional NSW since 2015.