Digital Territory Strategy

Initiative

Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange.

Overview

The first Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange held in 2018 marked a key first step to overcoming telecommunications challenges in the Territory.

The Territory's small population is highly dispersed over a large land mass with difficult terrain and weather conditions. Standard commercial telecommunications solutions are often not feasible or suitable for all communities, particularly in remote areas.

The Exchange highlighted the willingness of industry, government and community to work together to stimulate thinking and spark ideas about better communications solutions that will suite people living in remote pats of the NT.

Benefits

While the benefits from this initiative may take some time to be realised, the Ideas Exchange provided an important initial point of focus from which some inspirational ideas arose that hopefully can be progressed through design and developmental stages into the future.

This pursuit of solutions will be vital to achieving the end goal of providing remote Territorians with reliable, affordable and accessible telecommunications.

Initiative

Upgrade and roll out free community wi-fi to 46 communities, increasing access to online services for remote Territorians.

Overview

The Community Internet Service project provides internet connectivity as a baseline public library service across the NT and will upgrade service speeds at 34 existing sites, taking advantage of new NBN satellite and ADSL internet plans.

This project will also implement wi-fi hotspots at 12 new remote community sites over 2018.

The program will provide free community wi-fi internet access, computer equipment, and digital skills training in remote communities.

Benefits

The Community Internet Service project will deliver reliable and sustainable internet access to identified remote communities across the Territory.

This will improve availability of digital technology in the bush and help community residents to access digital services, use social media and transact online.

The project will assist to develop digital capability in remote areas.

2019 progress update

Public access Wi-Fi hotspots have been implemented or upgraded in 46 communities. Upgrades were applied to 34 existing communities and Wi-Fi hotspots were installed in 12 new communities.

Initiative

Modernise government radio transmission infrastructure to the 400MHz spectrum, providing emergency and other frontline services with a digital radio network.

Overview

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is requiring changes in use of radio spectrum that will drive upgrades of radio infrastructure and equipment for core government services, including police, and parks and wildlife rangers.

This is a multi-year work program that is due to be completed by 2019.

Benefits

NT Government frontline services in the bush will be connected via a digital radio network to new 400MHz spectrum meeting ACMA's requirements.

Essential radio infrastructure will be upgraded and radio communications will be improved.

The project provides a digital foundation that ensures the NT Government is well positioned to maintain its radio network into the future.

2019 progress update

A 400 MHz digital radio network has been implemented across remote areas of the NT, to provide improved communications for police, emergency services and parks rangers.

Initiative

Successful wi-fi trial on remote government research farm shows potential for outback businesses.

Overview

A collaboration between the NT Government and Agrinet has established widespread wi-fi coverage across the 3,100ha Douglas Daly Research Farm.

The technology, which gives farmers mobile phone coverage where previously there was none, is not reliant on a service provider and is suitable for farms with any type of internet connection.

Benefits

Widespread wi-fi coverage can mean better cattle management, increased worker safety, improved social connections, and the ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology.

The wi-fi technology from the trial is designed to be installed and maintained by farmers, removing the need for telecommunications experts to travel and work on-site.

Initiative

The Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT) in Alice Springs has created a simple mobile phone hotspot that extends mobile phone signal for up to 100 kilometres, helping people in very remote locations make calls.

Overview

The hotspots are constructed by CfAT's Aboriginal workforce in Alice Springs. They are rugged with no moving parts and use no power, making them ideal for the Territory's harsh conditions. CfAT is patenting this unique product and pursuing international markets.

Benefits

Through a grant from the NT Government CfAT has built and installed 27 hotspots across the Territory to provide vital communication links for residents and visitors.

View a video showcasing this initiative of the Digital Territory Strategy.

Initiative

Co-investing to expand telecommunications infrastructure in the NT's remote areas.

Overview

This investment will help to reduce the digital divide, improve traveller safety and enhance visitor experiences to grow the tourist industry.

Continue the NT Government's successful partnership with Telstra by making further investment in the bush through a new $28 million remote telecommunications co-investment program. The four year program will deliver much needed telecommunications infrastructure to remote locations.

Benefits

This program will put mobile phone and broadband services into more remote communities, along major transport corridors and into key tourism destinations.

This will strengthen the foundations for all other digital initiatives and enable digital inclusion, with more Territorians able to access the communications services already available to most other Australians.

Visitors to the Territory will experience improved connectivity to stay safe and in touch with their friends and family.

2019 progress update

Mobile phone services have been established under the Remote Telecommunications Co-investment program at Atitjere, Kintore and Yarralin. Installation of mobile phone services at Belyuen and Alpurrurulam is in progress and will be completed later in 2019. A service for Bulla is in the design phase to complete the program.

Initiative

Launch GrantsNT, a contemporary digital and mobile solution for applying for, acquitting and managing government grants.

Overview

The NT Government has a wide range of grants programs across many community and business sectors, providing around $1 billion in grants each year.

GrantsNT is a modern digital solution that is being co-designed with input from local Non Government Organisations (NGOs). The use of an online portal will make it easier for community groups to apply, receive and acquit their grants.

GrantsNT will be rolled out in stages starting in Q1 2018-19 with agencies determining the timing and sequencing of grant types coming onto the system. This is a multi-year work program that is due to complete in 2019.

Benefits

Grant application and acquittal processes will be digital and streamlined, making it much easier for NGOs, community members and businesses to receive and manage their NT Government grant funding.

Grant applicants, recipients and government will all benefit from better information that is more accessible and traceable, which will improve processes to seek and provide grants.

This project is engaging Territory enterprises, with nine local ICT professionals working to deliver the digital solution and growing local digital skills development.

2019 progress update

GrantsNT was launched in November 2018 and positions the Northern Territory as the only Australian jurisdiction with an end-to-end digital solution to manage government grants.

It is being implemented through a staged approach by agencies with roll-outs aligned with the timing of NT Government agency grant programs.

View a video showcasing this initiative of the Digital Territory Strategy.

Initiative

Hitnet Hub spreading news in Ngukurr.

Overview

Digital content is being developed and shared across the Ngukurr community via a Hitnet Hub installed in the Ngukurr general store.

Using multi-platform digital technologies and a community wi-fi mesh solution, the hub displays the Ngukurr News, and interactive health and social information in local languages. Digital content is created by the local community and shared via mobile access.

Benefits

The hub uses digital technology to share information locally, encourage participation and community input to important local issues.

Local Aboriginal languages are featured, kept in use and recorded for the future.

This achievement showcases how sophisticated multi-platform digital technologies and community solutions can be applied in a remote location.

Initiative

Programs to prevent cyber bullying that are developed collaboratively between the NT and Commonwealth governments and provided to all schools. Schools also participate in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

Overview

The digital world is providing a new arena for bullies to flourish, extending their reach and hiding their identities.

The NT Social and Emotional Learning curriculum provides children and youth:

• the skills to manage their online behaviour and impacts
• provide tips for avoiding bullies, reducing their influence and
• highlight the support that is available.

Benefits

This initiative will help to build the resilience of our children and reduce the opportunity for bullies.

2019 progress update

Through the delivery of both the NT Social Emotional Learning Curriculum and specific programs, such as the Dolly's Dream eSmart program, all Territory students are being supported to manage their online behaviour and its impacts.

In this reporting period, 50 NT Government schools participated in Dolly's Dream Connect workshops, bringing together teachers, students, parents and communities to improve cyber safety and tackle cyberbullying.

Initiative

Identify future mobile phone hotspot sites to expand mobile services in rural and remote areas.

Overview

Following successful mobile hotspot programs in Central Australia and the Top End, further work will be progressed to identify suitable remote sites in the NT for future installations.

Technical investigation of mobile signal strength is required and needs to be aligned with related infrastructure (roadside rest areas, tourist sites), likely usage, costs and other priorities in remote areas to determine feasible installation options.

Benefits

Mobile hotspots enable mobile signal to be received over far greater distances, providing connection benefits for travellers, both locals and visitors.

This investigative work will look at site options and feasibility to ensure the success of any future installation program.

2019 progress update

Sites for the next set of mobile phone hotspots have been identified with the Centre for Appropriate Technology who will install them in 2019-20 under a grant agreement.

Initiative

Design and manufacture an undersea fibre optic cable that will connect the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network, strengthening digital connections to the Islands.

Overview

The NT Government is providing Vocus with grant funding of $8.5 million over three years to deliver an undersea fibre optic cable connecting the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network.

Cable design and manufacturing works will be progressed over 2018-19 in preparation for installation in the following year.

This initiative will provide high quality and high capacity optic fibre telecommunications backbone infrastructure to the Tiwi Islands.

Benefits

When complete, this new cable will improve the reliability and capacity of telecommunications for residents and businesses on the Tiwi Islands. This will help to limit the service disruptions in poor weather that occur now and deliver new broadband internet opportunities.

Tiwi Islands' residents and businesses will benefit from having modern communications to the same standard as other parts of Australia. Further work can then be undertaken to improve connections on the Islands from the cable backbone to premises.

2019 progress update

Marine survey and design for the link is complete and the optic fibre cable is planned to be laid in the second half of 2019 with the works to be completed by the end of 2019.

Initiative

Ingenious iVet – the virtual veterinary clinic. iVet was started by local vet Dr Sue Samuelsson to help her Arnhem Land clients. It is a world first virtual veterinary clinic, providing animal care for those unable to get to a traditional clinic.

Overview

iVet is now a tele-vet model that is being applied internationally using digital technology for online virtual animal consultations.

Benefits

iVet enables people who cannot access traditional vet services due to distance, disability or illness to get the help they need for their animals. This reduces travel costs and distress for both the animals and their owners.

Initiative

NTG/Telstra 2015-2018 Remote Telecommunications Co-investment program.

Overview

Mobile phone and/or broadband services are being delivered to 17 remote Territory communities as part of the 2015-2018 NTG/Telstra Remote Telecommunications Co-investment Program.

Communities connected to date are:

• Ali Curung
• Barunga
• Santa Teresa
• Timber Creek
• Titjikala
• Manyallaluk
• Minyerri
• Kaltukatjara
• Umbakumba
• Bulman and
• Weemol.

Communities in progress are:

• Yarralin
• Atitjere
• Kintore
• Mt Liebig
• Belyuen and
• Alpurrurulam.

Benefits

Telecommunications infrastructure underpins all other digital initiatives. This infrastructure investment reduces the digital divide by providing access to modern telecommunications; opening up economic and social opportunities for residents and businesses in remote Territory communities. Communications services will be comparable with those enjoyed by other Australians.

Initiative

Kulila! ("listen, think and understand") language app supporting Anangu people.

Overview

Senior Anangu women from cross-border communities of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) region in Central Australia embraced new technology to develop the 'Kulila!' language app. The app records and translates health and medical terms into Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and English.

Traditional healers and interpreters use the language app like a virtual dictionary to record and translate the local Aboriginal languages and help people explain their emotions and health issues using audio, text and images.

Benefits

The app crosses the language barrier for more than 6,000 people in the remote NPY lands by helping them connect with health workers who provide mental health and suicide prevention services in the region.

Valuable community services can be delivered by partnering age-old healing knowledge with modern digital technology. The app also helps to protect the ancient languages spoken across the NPY region for future generations.