AT least three districts in the state's north and west are among the 81 rural communities to split $90 million to fund location-based solutions to digital connectivity issues.
The Regional Connectivity Program has awarded grants ranging from $2.5 million to improve broadband and 4G services between Hawker and Leigh Creek to $173,520 to upgrade the existing Telstra mobile tower in Ernabella in the state's far North West.
Federal Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton said the government was listening to the digital needs of regional communities and businesses, and had used the program to design and deliver place-based solutions that solve rural connectivity issues.
"The government has taken a collaborative approach in delivering the RCP and has engaged with the telecommunications industry and regional communities to make sure the funded projects are tailored to the needs and priorities of each region and are supported by the local community," he said.
Together with co-contributions from funding recipients, state, territory and local governments, regional businesses and community development organisations, these projects will deliver new investment through improved connectivity totalling more than $180m.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said digital connectivity was a core element of the government's regional development agenda.
"As the last year has shown, digital connectivity has become an essential part of how we work, learn, stay healthy and remain in contact with loved ones, and it is particularly critical to sustaining productivity growth and innovation in our regional communities," he said.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said the RCP was part of the government's ongoing commitment to bring the digital economy to the regions, complementing the National Broadband Network and the Mobile Black Spot Program.
"From Gippsland to the WA Grainbelt, the Regional Connectivity Program will provide targeted upgrades to connectivity in regional areas that need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services," he said.
More detail on individual projects would be announced in coming weeks, but federal Member for Grey's Rowan Ramsey has already outlined three projects in his electorate.
He had been concerned since the initial NBN rollout that Wudinna as a major service centre should have an upgraded service and was pleased to announce that $1.8m of the Regional Connectivity Program would provide a Satellite to Fixed Line Technology solution.
"A consortium partnership between the Wudinna District Council and NBN Co will bring Fibre to the Premises NBN to 377 brownfield premises and a 1km-2km distribution network extension," he said.
"Residents and businesses can expect significant improvements to connectivity, access to online education and health services, expand economic opportunities and increase connectedness and digital capabilities."
Mr Ramsey said Telstra's Far North SA project would also receive more than $2.5m to provide improved broadband and 4G services between Hawker and Leigh Creek including improved broadband to the Leigh Creek and Marree Aboriginal Schools and 4G small cells to communities of Dalhousie Springs, Yunyarinyi, Nyapari, Murputja, Kalka, Kanpi and Watinuma.
While the Ernabella project will receive $173,520 to upgrade their existing Telstra mobile tower, providing improved coverage and user throughput speeds for the township and surrounding community.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said providing greater connectivity to rural and remote communities was critical to grow SA's regions.
"Digital connectivity has been identified as a top priority infrastructure need in regional communities, equal to improved highways and roads," he said.
"Mobile phone coverage and connectivity is vital for people living in regional and remote areas, not only for safety, but to help grow our state's economy through improved business opportunities and access to technology."
SA Education Minister John Gardner said students attending Leigh Creek Area School and Marree Aboriginal School would have access to high-speed internet as part of this announcement, building on the Government's Schools With internet Fibre Technology program, improving connectivity to public schools, while 13 northern Aboriginal communities would gain satellite small cell coverage.
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