Increased Connectivity to Improve Services and Boost Jobs

23 October 2021

An investment of $8 million in connectivity works is being carried out in East Arnhem Land, to improve services for remote Territorians.

The Arnhem Fibre Backhaul Project has been jointly funded by the Territory Labor Government, Telstra and the Commonwealth through its Regional Connectivity Program, with all contributing $2.5 million to the upgrades. 

Developing East Arnhem Limited has also invested $500,000 into the upgrades.

As part of the project, the existing 5Gb connection will be upgraded to a super-fast 100Gb connection.

Once completed, the funding will also upgrade the capacity of the existing Telstra 4GX base station at Mt Nhulun.

In addition, Telstra recently installed a 3.5km fibre extension to the Arnhem Space Centre, connecting the site to the Arnhem Fibre Network.

The Arnhem Space Centre is currently under construction by Equatorial Launch Australia, in preparation for the launch of three NASA sounding rockets next year.

The Territory Labor Government knows the benefits of improving connectivity and services for Territorians no matter where they live, because it creates new opportunities and jobs, and keeps the economy turning.

Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“Territorians deserve access to the very best services, no matter whether they live in the bush or in the city.

“Increasing connectivity and speed in Arnhem Land will open new opportunities and jobs for Territorians in the region.

“Last week we saw the incredible work underway at the Arnhem Space Centre, which will see the launch of three NASA sounding rockets in the middle of next year.

“We thank Telstra and the Commonwealth for helping to fund these important upgrades.”   

Quotes from Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Paul Kirby:

“Dependable digital connections are critical for our economy and we know businesses throughout the Territory want fast, reliable cost-effective telecommunications.”

“This is a significant step forward in connectivity for regional Territorians and will deliver a big boost to our remote digital capabilities.

“We know how important it is to grow jobs and connectivity in the Territory, now more than ever.

Quotes from Telstra NT General Manager Nic Danks:

“We know better than anyone the challenges involved in connecting regional and remote communities. It’s partnerships like this and the significant investments we’re making in regional areas that will help all Australians participate fully in the digital economy.

“This project will see new fibre optic cable and the upgrade of core transmission equipment at 15 Telstra sites across East Arnhem Land. It will also provide the capacity needed for potential future co-investment technology and communications projects into other Arnhem Land communities.

“As part of the Regional Connectivity Program, Telstra, together with the federal government, are also undertaking a $1.48m upgrade to telecommunications infrastructure will improve 4G mobile coverage and network capacity in the central Australian community of Ampilatwatja.

“Joint funding programs like this are essential in helping deliver better communications and new opportunities for regional and remote locations across the Territory.”

Quotes from Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie:

“Providing Australians with better access to reliable, high-speed telecommunications services is a priority for the Australian Government, with a focus on supporting regional and remote communities to stay connected in an increasingly digital world,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The significant speed and capacity improvements this project will deliver to communities in East Arnhem Land will increase access to important services and open up economic opportunities for the region. It is just one of more than 130 projects funded under the first round of the Government’s Regional Connectivity Program, which respond to local priorities and provide place-based solutions for regional communities.

“There will be further opportunities to apply for funding under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program, which will open for applications later this year.”