The funding will be used to improve digital connectivity during natural disasters by developing both temporary and long-term digital connectivity solutions.
NSW Telco Authority received the $1.8 million in funding from the Australian Government as part of a $3.6 million project to improve digital connectivity during natural disasters under the Disaster Ready Fund.
Following significant fire and flood disasters across NSW in recent years, we are working to support communities to recover from connectivity and coverage impacts faster.
Our project is designed to increase the safety, wellbeing and recovery of communities impacted by natural disasters and the subsequent loss of telecommunications during these events. We will achieve this by driving the development of both temporary and long-term digital connectivity solutions.
Based on a comprehensive understanding of community needs, our solutions focus on delivering temporary connectivity ‘kits’ that can be used to reconnect communities when coverage is lost. Depending on the situation and scale of the disaster, the kits could include a battery and solar panels, wi-fi extenders and satellites.
We look forward to continuing our work with NSW Reconstruction Authority, Emergency Services Organisations and the Australian Government to help keep people and communities safe and connected.
Read the media release on this funding announcement.
