Free public Wi-Fi in remote communities

Fifteen remote First Nations communities are benefitting from free community-wide Wi-Fi thanks to a $20 million program by the Albanese Government to boost connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is providing communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia with improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities. 

These include: 

  • Northern Territory: Gan Gan and Wandawuy

  • South Australia: Pukatja, Amata, Kaltiji, Pipalyatjara and Mimili

  • Queensland: Pompuraaw

  • Western Australia: Mindi Rardi, Kurnangki, Loanbun, Junjuwa, Burawa, Bungtardi/Bungardi and Darlngunaya

Locals and visitors can enjoy free and reliable broadband access across community spaces, powered by the NBN Co Sky Muster Plus Premium satellite service.

In total, 23 communities have signed up for free community Wi-Fi through the program. 

Additional communities to come online include: 

  • Northern Territory: Ampilatwatja, Arreyonga, Arewerr, Galiwin’ku and Mungkarta

  • Queensland: Kowanyama, Doomadgee and Hope Vale

The Albanese Government has opened an online Project Noticeboard where suggestions for potential new projects and locations can be submitted. Community organisations, government representatives and parliamentarians are encouraged to work alongside First Nations communities to suggest projects.

To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/first-nations-digital-inclusion/first-nations-community-wi-fi-program-project-noticeboard

The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program was informed by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, established by the Albanese Government to advise on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.

It is part of the Albanese Government’s $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion, which includes a First Nations Digital Support Hub a network of digital mentors, as well as improved national data collection.

For more information on the Albanese Government’s work on First Nations Digital Inclusion, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/fndi   

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“With remote First Nations communities comprising some of the most digitally isolated Australians, the Albanese Government is investing to close the digital divide.

“Digital connectivity is essential for all Australians, whether they live in a city of millions, or a remote community of less than 100 people. It provides access to critical services, connection with family and friends, and better education, training and job opportunities.

“It’s fantastic to see free Wi-Fi available across these remote communities, with work underway to get even more communities connected.” 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MP:

“Free and reliable Wi-Fi is a gamechanger for remote First Nations communities – opening up new social and economic opportunities and better access to important services.

“Importantly, this program is being designed and delivered in close consultation with communities. It’s an important step on our journey to narrow the digital divide for First Nations Australians.”