Connectivity and telecommunications in regional WA will receive a $23 million boost under a joint investment from the McGowan Government and the Commonwealth Government.
The McGowan Government will contribute $5.88 million to projects under the Commonwealth's Regional Connectivity Program to help bring mobile and broadband infrastructure to some of Western Australia's most under-served areas.
The State's investment has attracted co-funding of $17.1 million from the Commonwealth and additional funding from project applicants and third party contributors.
The Regional Connectivity Program is investing in telecommunications infrastructure that provides economic opportunities and improves participation in the digital economy for regional communities and businesses.
Overall, Western Australia has secured nearly 19 per cent of the total Commonwealth funding awarded nationally, with the State Government funding 14 projects in Condingup, Catterick, Torndirrup, Bidyadanga, Cygnet Bay, Caiguna, Cocklebiddy, Coral Bay, South Stirling, Frankland River, Jigalong, Kalumburu and Halls Creek.
The type of technology solutions vary across locations, ranging from mobile voice and data services to the installation of satellite, fibre and fixed wireless broadband.
The McGowan Government has committed almost $50 million to regional digital connectivity projects since 2017, including the highly successful $13.2 million Digital Farm Grants program.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Strengthening our regional telecommunications is a priority for the McGowan Government, to support people living and working in our regions.
"Our strong investment into regional connectivity has ensured we have secured our fair share of Commonwealth funding through this program.
"Mobile and broadband connectivity is essential to reduce the communications gaps for our regional businesses and to help build sustainable and vibrant regional communities."
Regional Connectivity Program - Successful WA Projects
| Applicant | Project name | Technology type | Location | State contribution | Commonwealth contribution |
| Australian Private Networks Pty Ltd | Jigalong Community Wi-Fi and Telephone Service | Satellite Broadband | Jigalong | $606,790 | $606,790 |
| Australian Private Networks Pty Ltd | Kalumburu Community Wi-Fi and Telephone Service | Satellite Broadband | Kalumburu | $664,000 | $664,000 |
| Comscentre WA Pty Ltd | Radio Access Network: Shire of Halls Creek | Fixed Wireless Broadband | Halls Creek Shire | $948,750 | $1,897,500 |
| CRISP Wireless Pty Ltd | Central Wheatbelt Connectivity Backhaul | Fixed Wireless Broadband | Central Wheatbelt | - | $3,773,000 |
| Field Solutions Group | R.A.N. (Regional Australia Network): Wireless Wheatbelt Project-Central Midlands | Fixed Wireless Broadband | Central Midlands | - | $5,299,784 |
| Pivotel Mobile Pty Ltd | Frankland River 4G Network | Mobile Voice & Data | Cranbrook Shire | $147,367 | $294,733 |
| Pivotel Mobile Pty Ltd | South Stirling 4G Network | Mobile Voice & Data | Albany | $58,988 | $117,976 |
| Shire of Halls Creek | Halls Creek Satellite to Fibre to the Premise Technology Change | Fibre Broadband | Halls Creek | $1,775,341 | $1,775,341 |
| Telstra | Bidyadanga | Mobile Voice & Data | Lagrange | $95,010 | $151,313 |
| Telstra | Caiguna | Mobile Voice & Data | Caiguna | $284,256 | $452,704 |
| Telstra | Cave Point Lighthouse | Mobile Voice & Data | Torndirrup | $298,188 | $474,892 |
| Telstra | Cocklebiddy | Mobile Voice & Data | Cocklebiddy | $292,788 | $466,292 |
| Telstra | Condingup | Mobile Voice & Data | Condingup | $90,585 | $144,265 |
| Telstra | Coral Bay | Mobile Voice & Data | Coral Bay | $323,917 | $515,868 |
| Telstra | Cygnet Bay | Mobile Voice & Data | Cygnet Bay | $47,709 | $75,981 |
| Telstra | Greenbushes-Boyup | Mobile Voice & Data | Catterick | $244,026 | $388,634 |
