Through the Regional Connectivity Program (the RCP) the Commonwealth is funding the delivery of 132 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects across regional, rural and remote Australia.

On 6 May 2021, the Government, announced that further Commonwealth funding will be allocated towards 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects under the RCP.

The additional funding includes a further $84.8 million (GST exclusive) in the 2021–22 Budget, as well as $65.8 million (GST exclusive) in dedicated funding towards digital technology solutions in Northern Australia through the Regional Connectivity Program and the Mobile Black Spot Program.

Also included within the announcement was that $24.6 million (GST exclusive) has been allocated to fund an additional Round 1 projects. Remaining funding will be distributed through a new competitive grants process

Round 1

On 16–April 2021 the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP announced an investment of $90.3 million (GST inclusive) to support 81 communications infrastructure projects under Round 1 of the RCP.

On 10 June 2021, the Government announced that a further 51 meritorious Round 1 projects had been funded under the program.

Funded projects include new and improved mobile voice and data coverage, fixed wireless and fibre broadband services, and improved microwave and fibre backhaul capacity to locations across regional, rural and remote Australia. Improved connectivity through the RCP will allow regional communities and businesses to access essential online services, utilise new business tools and connect with the digital economy.

Further information on the RCP application process, including the final program guidelines, can be found on GrantConnect.

Additional information and resources