For many remote Northern Territory communities, free public Wi-Fi will soon become an important link to healthcare, study, essential services and family.
A new funding package worth almost $12 million will help roll out community Wi-Fi across 37 remote First Nations communities in the Territory, in what shapes as a major step towards reducing digital isolation.
The Federal Government is contributing $11.6 million to the rollout, while the Northern Territory Government will add $216,866 to support delivery in 31 of the communities.
The investment will reach communities across the Barkly, Big Rivers, Central Australia, Top End and East Arnhem regions, including places such as Yuendumu, Ngukurr, Angurugu, Milingimbi, Wurrumiyanga and Gunbalanya.
Lingiari MP, Marion Scrymgour, said better internet access was essential for people living in remote areas.
"The old bush telegraph doesn't cut it anymore, remote communities need fast internet to keep in touch with family and to stay updated with news relevant to their area," Ms Scrymgour said.
"Bringing communities up to speed with the digital age is how we can prepare them for the future."
Federal Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, said the move would help improve digital access in parts of the country where staying connected can often be difficult.
"We are working hard to deliver digital equity for First Nations Australians as part of our ongoing work to Close the Gap," Ms Wells said.
"Free Wi-Fi for some of the Northern Territory's most remote communities will mean people can more easily connect with family, see a doctor online, study, train and access services."
NT Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Joshua Burgoyne, said the Territory's size and remoteness had created long-running barriers to reliable connectivity.
"The Northern Territory is a vast and unique region with many remote communities spread across large distances, creating challenges for digital connectivity," he said.
"Access to free Wi-Fi will provide these communities with access to important online services and help reduce isolation by keeping people connected."
The announcement has also been welcomed by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, which said internet access in remote Australia was not just a convenience issue, but also an important safety measure.
ACCAN chief executive, Carol Bennett, said reliable service was critical in communities where connection problems could have serious consequences.
"Reliable and affordable connectivity isn't a luxury, it's an essential service, and when you live in remote parts of Australia, that access is even more critical," Ms Bennett said.
"In remote parts of Australia, connectivity is often critical to engagement with education, healthcare and essential services providers, as well as - critically - a lifeline to Triple Zero.
"We welcome the Government's announcement and support this investment into critical connectivity for remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory."
The NT rollout forms part of the Commonwealth's $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program.
It also builds on the earlier NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, which has already delivered free internet access to 23 remote communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.
