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The Australian Government recognises the importance of keeping communities connected in times of crisis. Following the devastating 2019–2020 bushfire season Sky Muster satellite services were installed at sites across Australia under the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.
These satellite services provide a broadband internet connection allowing people to keep in touch with friends and family and up to date with news, when the local telecommunications networks may be down.
The locations of Sky Muster satellite services installed under the program can be viewed on the deployment map—Sky Muster Satellite Deployments Viewer.
Extension and Expansion of Community Wi-Fi sites
Following the success of the initial satellite service deployment, the government is undertaking a program to extend the operating period of the existing services and expand the footprint to additional sites across Australia.
The program will:
- extend the operating period of all existing Community Wi-Fi sites until 31 December 2027;
- expand Community Wi-Fi services to up to a further 500 sites across Australia; and
- undertake a refresh of battery back-up at existing large sites where needed.
The government is working closely with state and territory governments to identify appropriate sites for installation.