Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Public phones for 300 remote Indigenous communities
Up to 300 remote Indigenous communities will receive new public phones, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced today.
"Telecommunications is an essential service for all Australians and a particular necessity for people living in remote communities," Senator Conroy said.
"Public phones will improve connections to health, education, safety, business and other services as well as provide social and family contact for people living in remote Indigenous communities across the country."
Senator Conroy announced a finalised agreement with Australian Private Networks Pty Ltd (APN) for the installation and maintenance of up to 300 fixed community telephones in remote Indigenous communities. The company also operates a satellite broadband service under the Activ8me brand.
The installation of the first wave of public phones will commence in the second half of 2009.
The phones will provide free untimed calls to emergency services, all Australian fixed-line phones and 1800 numbers, as well as free incoming calls.
Remote Indigenous communities with a population below 50 and without reasonable access to a public payphone may be eligible to receive a community phone under the Indigenous Communications Program. Eligible communities can be nominated by relevant Australian Government, state and territory agencies or specifically appointed community liaison officers.
"The installation and maintenance of these specially designed robust phones will assist communities that are amongst the most disadvantaged in Australia," Senator Conroy said.
The engagement of APN follows the announcement of the Rudd Government's initial response to the Regional Telecommunications Review, which was chaired by Dr Bill Glasson AO.
The response includes an additional $3.7 million contribution to a $30 million refocused Indigenous Communications Program to improve essential telecommunications services, basic public internet access facilities and computer training for remote Indigenous communities in partnership with states and territories.
For more information on the Indigenous Communications Program, contact:
freecall 1800 355 014 or email icp@dbcde.gov.au
Date: 16 April 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
