Telecommunications in remote Indigenous communities

Accessing, using and maintaining telecommunications services in remote communities is a challenge. Many people on communities do not have a home phone or a personal computer although community payphones and public access computers are becoming more widely available.

The sustainability of telecommunications services is affected by a range of supply and demand side factors such as:

• The high cost of supply and of maintaining equipment
• Low average incomes and limited English language and literacy fluency
• Challenging physical environments that affect equipment
• The limited number of people with appropriate skills to provide training and support in service use and technical maintenance.

Telecommunications is generally recognised as an essential service in all communities, as well as an important tool for economic and social development. In remote areas, telecommunications is critical for lifeline and emergency support as well as enabling access to services, social supports and economic participation.

Many Indigenous people experience significant educational and income disadvantage and can have difficulty affording and using these technologies. Distance, isolation and environmental factors effect how well the technologies work in these settings, how well they are maintained and what help is available. Energy supplies are not always reliable and internet access can be sporadic and often slow. Very few communities have mobile coverage.

CAT has undertaken research, project evaluation, training and technical support in this area. CAT also works in collaboration with governments, private enterprise and local communities.

Further reading and information can be found under the Research, Resources and Services links.