Summary:
Half of remote Aboriginal communities lack mobile phone coverage.
Internet access has improved from 74% to 86% in one year.
73% of respondents cut back on essentials for connectivity.
Emergency calls cannot be made without reliable telecommunications, posing dangers.
The First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap outlines a strategy for better connectivity.
A recent national audit has unveiled that many bush communities in Australia are still without mobile phone and internet coverage, even as the country rapidly digitizes everyday tasks.
Current State of Connectivity
The Closing the Digital Divide project reports that half of the 1,505 remote Aboriginal communities lack mobile phone coverage. This situation poses significant challenges for residents who need online access for banking, government services, and employment opportunities.
Despite these challenges, the audit reveals a positive trend: the percentage of people with internet access has risen from 74% in 2022 to 86%. Lead researcher Daniel Featherstone notes that while there are advancements like wi-fi mesh networks, many residents still rely solely on mobile phones.
Dr. Featherstone has been surveying remote community residents about their telecommunications options since 2021.
Barriers to Digital Inclusion
The rising cost of living has been identified as a significant barrier, with 73% of respondents admitting to cutting back on essentials to afford connectivity. The digital divide highlights the stark contrast between those with the resources to access the internet and those without, particularly affecting remote Aboriginal communities.
Emergency Situations and Digital Access
The lack of reliable telecommunications can be dangerous. Reports to the federal government indicate that emergency calls cannot be made when connectivity fails, posing serious risks to safety. The Torres Shire Council has emphasized the urgent need to address this issue.
Proposed Solutions
In response, the federal government is launching the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which outlines a long-term strategy to improve connectivity. This plan includes 30 recommendations aimed at enhancing training, expanding public wi-fi, and improving the resilience of communication infrastructure.
The government is investing $68 million to rollout Sky Muster satellite wi-fi in over 20 remote Aboriginal communities.
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