Australian Government delivers better connectivity in outback Queensland

The community of Roma, QLD will be able to access improved digital connectivity with the completion of projects delivered under the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program.

The new services will provide a significant uplift to connectivity in an agricultural area, enabling increased uptake of agtech and decision farming with benefits for productivity. The datacentre will also employ locally recruited and trained personnel.

The Australia Government has contributed $541,000 to the Roma Datacentre and Regional Fixed Wireless Internet project, along with contributions from Connected Farms Pty Ltd.

Through the Regional Connectivity Program, Connected Farms Pty Ltd has deployed a fixed wireless network providing broadband coverage to the region south of Roma, as well as an edge datacentre to provide improved data management for agribusinesses in the region.

The Regional Connectivity Program is funding the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.

This project was delivered under Round 1 of the program, which is providing $117 million for 130 projects across Australia.

The Australian Government’s Better Connectivity Plan is improving connectivity by supporting regional, rural, and remote communities get connected and bridge the digital divide.

The Plan includes $400 million dedicated to boosting mobile coverage, $200 million for place-based connectivity solutions under the Regional Connectivity Program, and $30 million for on-farm connectivity, and a national audit of mobile coverage to better identify and target blackspots.

For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp.

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

“Regional communities like Roma deserve first class communications infrastructure.

“The Australian Government’s Better Connectivity Plan will help support regional Australians to be better connected, take advantage of technological developments and remain globally competitive.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Nita Green

“Programs such as this will provide important, improved communications services to Roma, helping to keep the community connected through better mobile phone service and broadband.

“I look forward to seeing how the community can take advantage of this project and further rounds of the program in the future.”