A multi-million dollar program is underway to deliver mobile phone services to more remote communities across the Territory as part of a co-investment between the NT Government and Telstra.
The $5.8 million Remote Small Cells (RESC) program will for the first time bring connectivity to an additional 20 remote communities within the Barkly, Big Rivers, Central Australia, East Arnhem and Top End regions.
These twenty communities were assessed as suitable given their remote location, population, and environmental considerations.
RESC programs target remote communities using small cell telecommunications infrastructure via a satellite signal with full back-up power solutions.
Each installation provides a small number of users with a mobile signal over a 1 to 1.5 kilometre radius, delivering vital telecommunications services to the bush and improving the lives of Territorians living and working in remote communities.
The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in the bush, and in its successful partnership with Telstra.
Previous telecommunications co-investment programs between the NT Government and Telstra connected 47 remote communities, allowing isolated Territorians access to communications services already available to most other Australians.
A small cell mobile phone service was switched on recently in Top Springs as part of an ongoing remote telecommunications co-investment program with Telstra through which $28 million is being invested to improve regional telecommunications services across the Territory.
The new RESC program will be completed by the end of 2023.
Quotes from Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Ngaree Ah Kit:
“The Territory Labor Government understands the importance of telecommunications services in remote communities.
“As a government, we recognise the economic and social value of these services, and their ability to help close the gap of Aboriginal disadvantage.
“This partnership with Telstra demonstrates that we’re getting on with the job of taking critical services to where they’re needed the most.”
Quotes from NT Regional General Manager for Telstra, Nic Danks:
“Across Australia Telstra has more than 160 satellite small cells in operation, delivering Telstra 4G mobile services to remote locations where otherwise it may not be possible.
“While Telstra provides mobile connectivity to more than 96% of the NT population, its sheer size means there are large patches of the Territory where there is no coverage.
“However, providing regional connectivity is not just a Telstra responsibility- it’s a challenge that must be shared between federal, state and local governments and with other telecommunications providers.
“Telstra’s ongoing partnerships and co-investments with the NT Government are delivering real value for remote NT communities, helping keep them connected and improving access to the digital economy. We look forward to delivering these new sites.”
Northern Territory Government
