Residents in the regional town of Kaltukatjara in the Northern Territory can now access mobile phone and fixed broadband services after being connected to the national telecommunications network in November 2017.
The Territory Government and Telstra have each allocated $5 million per year over three years from 2015-16 to 2017-18 through the Telstra/NT Government Co-Investment Program.
To date the program has delivered mobile phone and fixed broadband services to communities in Titjikala and Manyallaluk, and fixed broadband services to Ali Curung, Barunga, Santa Teresa and Timber Creek.
Minyerri will be the next community to receive mobile phone and fixed broadband service under the program in early 2018, along with the communities of Bulman, Umbakumba and Yarralin. Weemol is also set to benefit from new mobiles services.
Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss, said reliable telecommunications was a key priority for the Territory’s remote and regional communities.
“It is vital we get our communities connected and work to bridge the digital divide in the bush, providing remote Territorians with the digital opportunities other Australians take for granted,” Ms Moss said.
Telstra Executive Director for Rural and Regional Affairs, Tim O’Leary, said access to the new communications services can bring life changing benefits for many people living in Kaltukatjara.
“This new telecommunications infrastructure will give residents and visitors to Kaltukatjara new opportunities to share stories online, access information and entertainment, and drive commerce” Mr O’Leary said.
