First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program – Draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines

ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) proposed First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program – Draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines. ACCAN welcomes the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program as an important step to closing the digital divide in remote and very remote communities.

ACCAN’s submission recommends the Department:

• Support a capabilities-led approach that ensures investment reflect changing consumer needs and expectations.

• Amend Section 3.4. to require consultation with the relevant local, state, and territory governments.

• Amend Section 6.1. to make it mandatory to provide back-up power supply and culturally appropriate digital support for community members.

• Amend Section 7.1. to support the development of resources in a range of accessible formats including Easy English, plain English, braille, large print and Auslan.