New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro

$400 Million For Faster Mobile And Internet Coverage In Regional New South Wales

Victor P Taffa

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro today announced a $400 Million Regional Digital Connectivity Package.

This will dramatically improve regional communications building new data centres outside Sydney and boosting the number of mobile black spot towers throughout the State.

Deputy Premier Barilaro said the funding will launch a new era of enhanced connectivity in regional New South Wales.

“Residents and businesses are crying out for better mobile coverage and data connectivity in regional and rural New South Wales and this investment will not only deliver that but it will make our regional towns stronger.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

“Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do from running a business, getting produce from paddock to port, staying in touch with family or having a lifeline to emergency services.”

“Although historically a Federal responsibility, the urgent need for internet and mobile connectivity in regional New South Wales has meant that the New South Wales Liberals & Nationals in Government have stepped in to combat this issue.”

“We know that in order to keep up with today’s society you have to be connected and that is why we are making the largest investment by any State government into regional connectivity.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

“Living in regional New South Wales is a smart choice, not a second choice. We have world-class businesses, resources and industries and they should no longer put up with second class connectivity.”

Regional Digital Connectivity Program priority areas over the next 4 years:

• Mobile Blackspots – Additional $300 Million to build more mobile blackspot towers,
• Gig State – $100 Million for regional data hubs to increase internet speed and reliability.

Funding is part of the New South Wales Government’s $4.2 Billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund with every cent guaranteed for regional New South Wales.