The New South Wales government is buying special equipment to bring Wi-Fi internet to communities hit by natural disasters. This follows a promise by Customer Services Minister Jihad Dib in June 2023.
The federal and state governments will share the cost of $3.6 million for these “community connectivity kits.” The NSW Telco Authority will manage the kits and quickly send them to areas in need after a disaster.
The government is currently looking for companies to build the kits. They want at least 20 ready to use by February 2025, with testing planned between August and November 2024.
These kits will be similar to existing technology used by phone companies like Telstra and Optus, or the internet provider NBN Co. In fact, Optus already provided eight similar units to the NSW Telco Authority in 2022.
The most important features for the kits are that they’re light, small, and tough enough to be carried on different vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, boats, helicopters, and airplanes. They should also be easy to set up, even for people with no technical knowledge.
The goal is for users to simply put the kit in the right spot and turn it on with a clear switch or button.
The kits will also need backup batteries that last at least four hours. They should be able to get power from many sources, including regular power outlets, generators, car batteries, or even solar panels.
For a strong internet connection, the government is considering using special low-orbit satellites.
Companies can offer the kits either as a subscription or a pay-as-you-go plan.
This investment by the NSW government shows they are taking steps to help communities after disasters by keeping them connected to the internet.