The geographic location of Torres Strait Island communities, within a complex reef system, poses a significant challenge for conventional telecommunications, requiring digital bridges between islands. Inadequate or band-aid style investment approaches to connectivity will continue to divide community members in economic participation, social inclusion and access to essential services like allied health and tertiary studies. The lack of reliable digital connectivity hinders economic development, but also impairs access to health services and impedes basic functions such as the conduct of a Council meeting.
What are we seeking:
- Support for expedient upgrade of basic telephony and data access to all outer island communities, creating parity with mainland services.
- Bi-partisan State and Federal support for investment models such as or similar to the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, with a strategic focus on regional, remote and inter-island infrastructure development.
- Establish a Digital Local Government and Rural/ Regional Telecommunications Program to increase the community benefits of improved technology, connectedness and innovation.
At a glance:
The Torres Strait has commenced its digital transformation journey with the Telstra Digital Expansion program, providing access to mobile and fixed line broadband services to some residents for the very first time. The program comprises 12 separate projects on 10 islands, providing the foundation for future telecommunication improvements. The original program scope is not expected to reach its full potential and has been most recently delayed by the advent of COVID-19.
It is common for several (and at times all 15) Council sites to experience communication blackouts, sometimes lasting several days, requiring workarounds for essential services like power card provision and grocery purchases. Business continuity and disaster management activities within the outer islands are currently restricted to satellite telephony which is costly to operate and often not effective.
Readiness:
Council is well prepared to accommodate changes to digital connectivity in order to enhance service provision.
As the sole service provider in the region, Telstra is working closely with Council as the Managed Service Provider, however remains open to opportunities to engage with other service providers for enhanced connectivity outcomes.
Why is this important for our communities?
All communities, whether they be in the major capitals or in regional towns, need to be future ready. Linked-up, smart communities will foster innovative approaches to environmental and societal issues and ensure equitable access to the benefits of the knowledge economy. It is not uncommon for several and at times all 15 council footprints (and satellite office on Thursday Is.) to experience communication blackouts, sometimes lasting several days, requiring workarounds for essential services like power card provision and grocery purchases. Business continuity and disaster management activities within the outer islands are currently restricted to satellite telephony which is costly to operate and often not completely effective.