The federal government has announced an additional $10 million investment in the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) to bridge the digital gap for Indigenous people.

The funds will be used to enhance digital connectivity for Indigenous communities in Central Australia through specialised solutions, and improving digital connectivity through these specialised solutions aims to address low levels of digital inclusion among individuals and communities, leading to better online access to health, education and social support.

This commitment will increase the government's total funding available under the combined grant opportunity to $160 million, bringing together the RCP and the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) across two streams:

• $110 million under Round 3 of the RCP, including indicative funding for solutions that improve telecommunications infrastructure in First Nations communities in eligible areas across Australia ($15 million) and in Central Australia ($10 million).
   
• $50 million under Round 7 of the MBSP, including indicative funding of $7.5 million for solutions that provide new mobile coverage in First Nations communities.

In addition, the government has extended the application period for the joint grant opportunity by six weeks until July 12th, 2023, allowing applicants more time to create proposals that assist First Nations communities and ensuring extensive consultation with stakeholders, including local councils and communities.

This funding opportunity will assist in achieving the Access to Information target of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, with advice from the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

"One message that I have heard clearly from the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group is the importance of ensuring adequate time for consultation and collaboration to ensure solutions best meet the priorities of communities," said Minister Michelle Rowland.

"With the benefit of the additional time we have provided, I encourage all community members and stakeholders to work closely together and help to deliver meaningful connectivity and coverage solutions."

The government's $10 million contribution is also part of the larger $250 million plan for a "better and safer" future for Central Australia.

In addition, the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia will provide more than $1.1 billion to rural and regional areas, including $656 million to improve mobile broadband connectivity and resilience.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Linda Burney MP notes "this additional investment is great news for First Nations people in remote communities."

"It will support projects that improve mobile phone coverage and boost the speed and reliability of internet connections."

"This means better communication with friends and family, and easier to access to all the education, health, employment and business opportunities the internet provides."

"It's one of the ways the government is working to close the gap and build a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians."