State Government pumps in $48.6m for regional mobile and broadband services

The Kimberley is set to receive a boost to its telecommunications infrastructure, with the State Government allocating $48.6m as part of its 2022-23 budget.

The funding will be distributed through the new WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program, which will expand mobile phone coverage and deliver high grade, flexible broadband services to regional businesses and communities.

The upgrades will be held across WA from the Kimberley to the south coast in an attempt to bridge the so-called “digital divide” in the regions.

The infrastructure upgrades will include new mobile base stations, fixed wireless infrastructure, upgrades to telecommunications assets and improving connectivity for disadvantaged communities.

It is hoped the upgrades will give people in remote areas better access to emergency services, telehealth and other government and businesses services, as well as improve liveability with faster access to social media and entertainment products.

The State Government believes the investment will help WA’s primary producers and other regional enterprises become more competitive while creating new opportunities for business growth and innovation.

The new program will build on the Regional Telecommunications Project and the WA Digital Farm Grants Program, which are delivering mobile and fixed wireless broadband coverage across 243,000sqkm in WA.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program was an important investment.

“Our reliance on digital connectivity has grown by 50 per cent in WA since the start of the pandemic and continued investment in regional telecommunications is required to support working from home, home schooling, telehealth, supply chains and biosecurity,” she said.

“This program continues to build on the great work of our team in partnering with all tiers of government, telecommunications providers, industry and the community to bridge the ‘digital divide’ and ensure regional WA residents and businesses can access the services they need.

“This initiative is targeting co-investment of more than $2 for every $1 invested by the State Government to ensure regional businesses and communities have access to quality mobile coverage and internet services.”

Part of the State Government’s funding commitment will go to round two of the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program, which will also upgrade broadband and mobile connectivity in regional and remote areas of WA.