NSW Digital Connectivity Index
The NSW Government is focused on making digital connectivity throughout the state world-leading, affordable and resilient, as outlined in the NSW Connectivity Strategy.
A key component of this strategy, the NSW Digital Connectivity Index (Connectivity Index) is a state-wide measure designed to assess digital connectivity experience, providing reliable and consistent data to government agencies, businesses and communities.
The Connectivity Index is a visualisation tool that measures the quality of digital connectivity across NSW through three key elements: access, affordability and demographics.
The tool is based on metrics such as coverage, speeds, choice, and performance. It is measured at a granular level based on public and commercially acquired datasets. It evaluates the presence and performance of connectivity in a selected location, assesses the cost of connectivity relative to income and considers key social characteristics that may influence the ability to use digital tools effectively. It also provides an indication of digital activities that can be performed while on the move (via mobile networks) and while stationary (via fixed networks).
Through the Connectivity Index, government agencies and communities will gain access to reliable and consistent connectivity data, enabling them to make informed decisions. It can help guide priorities, inform digital inclusion initiatives and guide digital infrastructure investments within the state.
Key NSW Index scores*
(*based on Index On the Move scores, at a Suburb level)
How to read the Index score:
The higher the Index score, the more likely a user will be able to conduct everyday digital activities in the selected area.
| Score | Rating | What does this score mean? |
|---|---|---|
| 81-100 | Excellent | Communities with these scores are highly likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 61-80 | Above Average | Communities with these scores are likely able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 41-60 | Average | Communities with these scores are less likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 21-40 | Below Average | Communities with these scores are unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 0-20 | Poor | Communities with these scores are highly unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working from home, video conferencing, gaming and online streaming. |
Frequently asked questions
All NSW Government agencies, including emergency services (via login): the Index aids the delivery of government digital services, enhances emergency preparedness, informs digital inclusion initiatives, and guides digital infrastructure investments. For example, agencies can overlay their own data to see where new infrastructure might be required to boost connectivity.
Local councils, businesses and industry: the Index helps make data-informed business and investment decisions and assess if an area meets their business needs. For example, a council will be able to see which suburbs are likely to have lower affordability and demographic scores to target their investments and efforts, such as providing digital devices and digital skills training.
Local communities and individuals: the Index enables communities to make informed decisions and provides access to information about connectivity. For example, if a family is considering relocation, they can check if the connectivity in the new area can support their digital activities, such as online education, banking and streaming.
Agency users must first login to the agency view using the login button above the map. Only NSW Government agency users may be issued with a login using the “Request Access” function on the tool.
Select a location through either: entering the address in the search bar, using your current location, or browsing and selecting an area in the map selector tool.
You may filter your selected location as either a Suburb (SAL) or Local Government Area (LGA).
Once the location is selected you may toggle between “On the Move” or “Stationary” to further refine the results based on your respective interest.
The Index score will appear beside the map ready for you to read, you may click on the information icon or refer to the FAQs for further information on how to interpret the results.
The Index has been developed to provide a score considering the ability to conduct activities “On the Move” or “Stationary”. These activities will require connectivity technology that allows them to be “On the Move” such as 3G/4G/5G. Activities that can be conducted at a “Stationary” location, or within a short proximity of this location, will not be limited to such requirements of 3G/4G/5G and can be evaluated based on both fixed and mobile network connectivity. Some examples of “Stationary” activities might include working from home, telehealth, and smart home automation. “On the Move” activities might include mobile browsing, mobile navigation and emergency services.
The "On the Move" and "Stationary" activities are determined by evaluating network provider availability. “Stationary” is evaluated based on both fixed network and mobile operator availability whereas “On the Move’ is exclusively focused on mobile operators.