The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to improve digital connectivity with the launch of the NSW Connectivity Strategy.
NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the NSW Connectivity Strategy would ensure there was a coordinated and collaborative, whole-of-government approach to digital connectivity initiatives and ensure people, businesses and emergency services stay better connected across NSW.
“As a modern and customer-centric government, it is vital we commit to digital inclusion and ensure the programs we deliver improve outcomes for customers, create a strong economy and build safer communities,” Ms De Courteney said.
“From addressing the digital divide between metropolitan centres and regional NSW to building smart city infrastructure in Sydney’s Western Parkland City, the NSW Connectivity Strategy will enable world-class, affordable and resilient connectivity.”
The NSW Connectivity Strategy focuses on delivering outcomes for three core customer groups:
- Emergency Services Organisations that need mission critical communications to provide public safety services.
- Government agencies that need connectivity to deliver services to their customers as well as for operational use.
- Citizens and businesses across NSW who rely on connectivity to effectively use digital government services as well as broader social and commercial purposes.
Developed by NSW Telco Authority, the Connectivity Strategy is an overarching plan that brings together whole-of-government connectivity initiatives under the common goal of creating improved digital outcomes for customers.
NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the strategy would support the roll-out of connectivity programs by government agencies including programs like Regional Digital Connectivity.
According to the connectivity strategy NSW still has numerous areas with poor or no connectivity, around 15 per cent of major roads do not have mobile coverage and around 30 per cent of the rail network has poor or no coverage,
“The Regional Digital Connectivity program ensures families and businesses across regional NSW have better access to mobile, internet and digital services,” Ms De Courteney said.
“The program includes the Gig State project which is working to improve internet connectivity, service, speed and quality for the most underserved rural and regional communities in the State.”
“Digital connectivity creates more benefits the more people are connected. By uplifting connectivity to a regional town for instance, it can attract new businesses, accelerate the adoption of government digital services and propel higher standards of living.” said Ms De Courteney.
Coinciding witht the strategy launch, the NSW government has opened up $60 million of the $100 million Gig State grant program for improving digital connectivity in regional areas.
