NT $30 million agreement towards mobile and broadband infrastructure

In a joint collaboration between the NT government and Telstra, more than $30 million will be spent over three years to improve mobile and broadband services in remote communities.

NT Chief Minister, Adam Giles, said the government hopes to expand and improve telecommunications throughout the territory.

“Having access to mobile phone and internet services is essential not just to keep in touch with family and friends, but also for business and economic development,” Giles said.

“With such an enormous land mass in the Territory, effective communications technology is a social and economic lifeline, and this program will play a significant role in the further development of Northern Australia.”

Priority communities are being targeted for the rollout with consideration of population, location, existing infrastructure, cost and local needs.

Plans are to install mobile phone towers to provide 3G service, with fixed broadband lines to enable people to receive internet via their land lines.

“Telstra has already proven its commitment to connecting the bush by joining the Territory Government in a $5.76 million phone and internet project for 13 remote communities that was completed last year,” he said.

Telstra will be performing the analysis and logistics side of the operation.

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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