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The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is providing communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia with improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities.
These include:
Locals and visitors can enjoy free and reliable broadband access across community spaces, powered by the NBN Co Sky Muster Plus Premium satellite service.
In total, 23 communities have signed up for free community Wi-Fi through the program.
Additional communities to come online include:
“With remote First Nations communities comprising some of the most digitally isolated Australians, the Albanese Government is investing to close the digital divide,” says Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“Digital connectivity is essential for all Australians, whether they live in a city of millions, or a remote community of less than 100 people. It provides access to critical services, connection with family and friends, and better education, training and job opportunities.”
“It’s fantastic to see free Wi-Fi available across these remote communities, with work underway to get even more communities connected.”
The Albanese Government has opened an online Project Noticeboard where suggestions for potential new projects and locations can be submitted. Community organisations, government representatives and parliamentarians are encouraged to work alongside First Nations communities to suggest projects.
Read more: NBN consumer advocacy expanded with $2.56M government grant
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program was informed by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, established by the Albanese Government to advise on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.
“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,” comments Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MP.
“Importantly, this program is being designed and delivered in close consultation with communities. It’s an important step on our journey to narrow the digital divide for First Nations Australians.”
It is part of the Albanese Government’s $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion, which includes a First Nations Digital Support Hub a network of digital mentors, as well as improved national data collection.
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