Specifically, 81 telecommunications infrastructure projects have been identified to share in the funds, which have been made available under the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
Grants have been allocated on a competitive basis across three funding categories, with the total cost of successful projects ranging from $80,500 for targeted mobile capacity upgrades in small towns to $8.75 million for the deployment of large-scale fixed wireless broadband networks across entire regions. Specific contractors and projects are yet to be named.
The investment will provide "targeted uplifts" to connectivity in the regional areas that need it the most, "ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services", the government's press announcement stated.
Confirming the investment on Friday, the statement continued: "The Australian Government has taken a collaborative approach in delivering the RCP and has engaged with the telecommunications industry and regional communities to make sure that the funded projects are tailored to the needs of each region and are supported by the community. This approach has resulted in an opportunity to create real change in the bush."
