Households, businesses and visitors to King Island in the Bass Strait will experience a major connectivity boost thanks to a significant $9.8 million communications transformation delivered in partnership through the Albanese Government's Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
The project includes a major upgrade to Telstra's superfast 10 Gbps microwave link - the world's longest - that stretches more than 100 kilometres from Mount Cowley in Victoria, to Cape Wickham King Island.
This is delivering up to 10-times more bandwidth and capacity onto the island, as well as improved network reliability.
Locals and visitors to King Island will also experience enhanced mobile service and coverage thanks to four new 4G mobile sites and upgrades to existing mobile network facilities across the island.
The communication transformation was delivered through a $5,391,526 Commonwealth investment, with co-funding from Telstra, the Tasmanian Government and King Island Council.
The transformational project supports access to essential digital services, including healthcare, education skills and training. And will support connectivity for the new Regional University Study Hub, to be co-located at the King Island Community Hub.
It will enhance e-commerce opportunities and business productivity, support communications resilience during emergencies, and provide opportunities for increased tourism, including international golf course developments.
The RCP is part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, providing $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural, regional and remote communities.
This project was delivered under Round 1 of the RCP funding, which provided $115.8 million for 129 projects across Australia.
