Tell your connectivity story

THE New South Wales Government has launched the first of its Community Connectivity Kits and is inviting the residents to share stories of lost mobile and internet connectivity during natural disasters.

The Community Connectivity Project aims to better understand the challenges faced by the community when connectivity is lost before, during, and after natural disasters and how this impacts recovery support access.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the quick deployment provided immediate solutions to ensure accessibility to emergency information.

“The ongoing research and pilot testing with the connectivity kits will help build a clear picture of how connectivity loss impacts communities,” Saffin said.

“We can strengthen telecommunications resilience and support disaster recovery more effectively and sustainably.”

The initiative also includes delivering 20 portable, battery-powered, satellite Wi-Fi Community Connectivity Kits, which can be rapidly deployed in a disaster within 15 minutes.

In the coming months, the first five kits will be tested as pilot projects in disaster-prone areas, including high-risk regions such as the Northern Rivers.

The connectivity kits will complement existing broadband Cells on Wheels fleet, which were recently deployed during Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred to help keep residents connected.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said Alfred had reminded the community of the critical role of mobile and internet connectivity in keeping people safe.

“The reality is telecommunication networks are often damaged or destroyed during natural disasters, and this can have a devastating impact on communities,” Dib said.

“The Community Connectivity Project is about strengthening our response and making it easier for people to remain connected with loved ones, ensuring they have access to critical information and support.

“By listening to the lived experience of those affected, we’re building policies and solutions that will make a real difference to communities on the ground when they’re needed.”

Research leader NSW Telco is inviting anyone who has experienced a natural disaster in recent years to share their experiences before May 26.

For more information and to complete the survey, visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/community-connectivity-research-project