Additional $14 million to keep communities and emergency service better connected

Image Credit: Dreamlike Street

The Australian Government has announced an additional $14 million investment to extend community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia. This funding will enhance connectivity at 500 new emergency sites and extend services at existing locations for four more years beyond 2025.

The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, which has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections at 1068 sites, will see further expansion. This includes areas in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The government has committed over $340 million to improve mobile coverage and network resilience against natural disasters. Future plans include introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in 2025 to ensure near continent-wide outdoor mobile coverage during emergencies.

This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing safety and resilience in disaster-prone communities.