Connecting Norfolk Island - Joint Media Release

CONNECTING NORFOLK ISLAND

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Norfolk Island connectivity, with the community now benefitting from faster, more efficient satellite internet.

Thanks to a $7.35 million investment from the Government, Norfolk Telecom’s satellite internet service is now delivering network speeds that are four times faster.  This is supporting Norfolk Island Central School students to access online study services, with increased bandwidth available for individual use inside and outside of school hours.  Faster connectivity is also supporting more reliable access to medical support from the mainland – including telehealth appointments.

The upgraded satellite service was delivered in partnership with Norfolk Island Regional Council’s Norfolk Telecom and Telstra.

The use of satellites to transmit data between networks in remote locations is vital to helping close the digital divide – increasing access to reliable and more resilient connectivity.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
“We’re committed to boosting the resilience of communication networks in our external territories, which is why we invested $7.35 million towards this faster and more reliable satellite internet service on Norfolk Island.

“We need fast and reliable connectivity to run our businesses, to access education and health services, and to keep in touch with family and friends – which is why this upgraded satellite service will make a huge impact on Norfolk Island.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:
“Improving Norfolk Island’s connectivity is something that the local community have long called for, which is why we worked with Norfolk Telecom, Council and Telstra to deliver this significant upgrade.

“Better internet capability will improve learning at Norfolk Island Central School, boost the services at Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service, and also unlock new opportunities for on-island businesses.

“I’ll continue working with the community to advocate for the projects they want to get off the ground.”

Quotes attributable to Norfolk Island Regional Council Administrator, Mike Colreavy:

“We are continuing to improve and ensure the quality of Norfolk’s telecommunications services through targeted projects, like this satellite backhaul upgrade.

“We provided these upgrades centrally through Norfolk Telecom, in partnership with Telstra and the Australian Government, so that community can have confidence that we are working to deliver local solutions to local challenges, through partners they can trust.”