De Courteney announces NSW Connectivity Strategy in lead-up to Comms Connect

The Managing Director of the NSW Telco Authority, Kylie De Courteney, has announced the launch of the NSW Connectivity Strategy to help deliver on the state’s commitment to improve digital connectivity. The news is particularly timely as De Courteney will next week be presenting her keynote speech at Comms Connect Melbourne on the topic of ‘Connecting Rural & Remote Communities’, providing an overview of the strategies and initiatives that the NSW Government is undertaking today to lay the foundations for the connectivity needs and expectations of tomorrow.

De Courteney said the NSW Connectivity Strategy would ensure there was a coordinated and collaborative, whole-of-government approach to digital connectivity initiatives and ensure people, businesses and emergency services stay better connected across NSW.

“As a modern and customer-centric government, it is vital we commit to digital inclusion and ensure the programs we deliver improve outcomes for customers, create a strong economy and build safer communities,” De Courteney said.

“From addressing the digital divide between metropolitan centres and regional NSW to building smart city infrastructure in Sydney’s Western Parkland City, the NSW Connectivity Strategy will enable world-class, affordable and resilient connectivity.”

The NSW Connectivity Strategy focuses on delivering outcomes for three core customer groups:

• Emergency services organisations that need mission-critical communications to provide public safety services
• Government agencies that need connectivity to deliver services to their customers as well as for operational use
• Citizens and businesses across NSW who rely on connectivity to effectively use digital government services as well as for broader social and commercial purposes.
   

Developed by the NSW Telco Authority, the Connectivity Strategy is an overarching plan that brings together whole-of-government connectivity initiatives under the common goal of creating improved digital outcomes for customers.

De Courteney said the strategy would support the rollout of connectivity programs by government agencies including programs like Regional Digital Connectivity.

“The Regional Digital Connectivity program ensures families and businesses across regional NSW have better access to mobile, internet and digital services,” she said.

“The program includes the Gig State project, which is working to improve internet connectivity, service, speed and quality for the most underserved rural and regional communities in the state.

“Digital connectivity creates more benefits the more people are connected. By uplifting connectivity to a regional town, for instance, it can attract new businesses, accelerate the adoption of government digital services and propel higher standards of living.”

De Courteney’s keynote presentation will take place at Comms Connect Melbourne on 19 October from 9.15 to 9.45 am. For more information, visit the event website.

Image credit: iStock.com/bgblue