Government, businesses and the not-for-profit sector now have a statewide view of internet connectivity at a suburb level, paving the way for targeted initiatives and investment opportunities.
The NSW Digital Connectivity Index is a map-based tool that measures internet and mobile phone connectivity using three metrics: access, affordability and demographics.
The new tool evaluates the state of connectivity by measuring the presence and performance of mobile and internet coverage, assessing the cost of connectivity relative to income, and considering social factors influencing the ability of residents to use digital tools.
The Connectivity Index is the first of its kind to provide data specific to each suburb across the state, enabling government agencies, local councils, businesses and service providers to make more informed decisions around digital inclusion and connectivity investment.
NSW Government agencies can also overlay their own data sets on the map-based tool to help identify priority areas for connectivity, such as bushfire prone areas or car accident blackspots.
Combining more than 200 million data points, the NSW Digital Connectivity Index supports more evidence-based decision-making, whether it is first-home buyers gauging connectivity in an area, or government agencies identifying where investment in digital initiatives or infrastructure is needed.
The tool can also be used to engage commercial telecommunications providers to address identified issues and encourage greater transparency in the services available to customers, as well as enable the NSW Government to work more closely with the Commonwealth to identify priority issues.
The Digital Connectivity Index was developed by the NSW Telco Authority with support from NSW Spatial Services. Find out more about the Digital Connectivity Index.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
"Digital technology is transforming the way people do business and access services, so understanding the reliability and uptake of digital technology across communities is an important first step in making targeted decisions.
"It is a priority for this Government to ensure everyone can confidently access and utilise the internet. The NSW Digital Connectivity Index will help identify areas where we may be able to provide support and work with other levels of government and industry to develop solutions.
"The suburb-by-suburb detail of this tool, measuring connectivity by access, affordability and demographics, is a first for Australia. It sets us on the path to building digital inclusion and community safety, from improving connectivity during natural disasters to identifying blackspots."
