In keeping with efforts to close the digital divide within the country, the Australian government has allocated$170 million in funds to install internet upgrades to 44 First Nation communities and some 96 other remote and regional communities across the country. The upgrades are expected to improve connection for devices using wi-fi and fixed wireless. 

According to the Minister of Communications, project 'Closing the Gap' is focussed on closing the connectivity gap present In these communities. Registering the lowest gap in the country, recent studies found that almost half of the nation's 1545 indigenous communities had no access to mobile devices and for those with phone access, many only had access to a public phone. 

With additional funding coming from states, territories and even industry groups, the wider program, the Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot programs is earmarked to get all citizens connected by 2026. 

Why does it matter?

Connectivity is arguably now viewed as a fundamental human right with its lack having the potential to lead to myriad setbacks including a country's reduced capacity to achieve Agenda 2030 in a timely manner.