Internet Use Grows in Remote First Nations Communities, but Cost Remains a Barrier

A report from RMIT University indicates internet access in remote and very remote parts of Australia has improved over the past two years. Infrastructure investments in 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies have driven a 12 per cent increase in internet access and a 19 per cent rise in regular usage between 2022 and 2024.

While access has improved, affordability remains a critical hurdle, with many First Nations people in remote areas still struggling to connect.

Cost Impacts Internet Access

According to the report, more than two-thirds of First Nations people in these regions face difficulties affording internet services. Over half of surveyed communities and homelands still lack mobile access.

Dr Daniel Featherstone, lead investigator for the study, highlighted the financial strain. “Almost 70 per cent of respondents told us they’ve had to make sacrifices or cut essential costs just to afford internet access. This figure has jumped significantly from 40 per cent in 2022,” he said.

Prepaid credit remains the dominant payment method, with 99 per cent of mobile users relying on it. Low and inconsistent incomes hinder access to more cost-effective monthly plans. Out of the 1,505 remote and very remote communities in Australia, about 796 still do not have mobile services.

Narrowing the Gap

The Mapping the Digital Gap project, led by RMIT researchers, has tracked digital inclusion in remote First Nations communities over three years. It aligns with Target 17 of the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims for equal digital inclusion by 2026.

“There are improvements in access, but affordability and digital ability are significant barriers,” said Featherstone. He and his team worked closely with 12 remote communities to document progress and challenges.

Initiatives Driving Change

Efforts to expand access have made a noticeable difference. Free Wi-Fi hotspots, mesh networks, and new infrastructure have seen an increase in internet users. According to the study, 31 per cent of people now access the internet through public Wi-Fi, up from 15 per cent in 2022.

Telecommunications providers have also contributed. Telstra has installed 4G towers in remote communities, and Starlink’s satellites, introduced in 2022, have rapidly gained traction among local agencies.

One community leader described the broader goal of these initiatives. “This isn’t just about having technology. It’s about enabling our people to engage fully in the digital world, addressing the unique challenges we face.”

The report also noted an uptick in digital activities. Online engagement with music, videos, games, and social media has risen by 17 per cent since 2022. Many rely on social media to maintain connections with family and friends, reflecting the relevance of digital tools to their lives.

Barriers Persist

Despite progress, some barriers remain stubborn. There was a 19 per cent decline in household computer ownership, reducing opportunities for children to develop digital literacy at home. Issues like lack of identification, frequent changes to mobile numbers, and limited email usage further hinder online participation.

Concerns about scams, cyber-safety, and the low availability of digital support were also highlighted as obstacles. Limited English literacy and accessibility challenges exacerbate the issue, particularly in regions where face-to-face services are being replaced by online systems.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Featherstone stressed the importance of programs to improve digital ability. “The planned Digital Mentors program announced in the 2024 Budget is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive initiatives are necessary.”

Without broader support for digital skills, he warned the gap may widen. “As services increasingly move online, those lacking access or skills will face greater exclusion.”

The Mapping the Digital Gap project, funded by Telstra and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, will enter its second phase next year. This will involve a larger survey measuring digital access for First Nations people across the country.

The report, Mapping the Digital Gap: 2024 Outcomes, provides critical insights into the state of digital inclusion in remote communities. The research team includes experts from RMIT University and various collaborating organisations.

Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Nick Ross