The New South Wales Government has issued a tender to enhance First Nations' digital inclusion, seeking a holistic wireless Wi-Fi connectivity solution across the state.
According to the tender request, the service will cover several areas, including:
- Central Coast
- Central West
- Far West
- Hunter
- Mid North Coast
- Murray/Riverina
- North West
- Northern Rivers
- Northern Tablelands
- South Coast
- Southern Tablelands
The scope of the tender is to help Regional Digital Connectivity to provide free community Wi-Fi and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, for selected First Nations Communities.
Technically, the state is open to a mix of technologies to provide the required wireless connectivity solution.
"The Department’s Aboriginal Outcomes team has been consulted and have selected First Nations target communities to be provided with the Wi-Fi and VOIP services.
"This forms a pilot program with potential for more sites in the future. Currently, most of these communities have no mobile or internet coverage.
"The Wi-Fi and VoIP systems can be connected by satellite backhaul or other similar innovative technology.
"This can be via a combination of terrestrial and celestial equipment to provide digital connectivity services to residential premises that are fitted with small antennas to collect and retransmit the digital signals," the tender request said.
Closing date for the tender is December 5 this year, with a decision estimated to be made on February 28, 2025.
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