The Albanese Government is calling on telcos to co-invest to improve the resilience of telecommunications networks on the NSW South Coast during natural disasters through its new $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) program.
The TDRI program will accelerate the development and deployment of new and innovative solutions to address communications issues during natural disasters.
There are two concurrent rounds under the TDRI that are now open for applications:
The $30 million Power Resilience Round will fund solutions that reduce the impacts of power outages – the leading cause of telecommunications disruptions during natural disasters. This includes stand-alone off grid power solutions, deployable power supplies like generators, and technology to extend how long backup power gives to telco infrastructure; and
The $20 million Innovation Round will fund innovative earlier-stage technologies to improve the resiliency, redundancy and availability of telecommunications during disasters. This includes new or enhanced satellite connectivity – especially Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) – and new ways to monitor networks and share critical information with emergency services.
Grants are generally available for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers (MNIPs), NBN Co, or companies with an ABN with relevant expertise or experience.
Reliable communications are vital in emergencies and natural disasters to ensure Australians can contact Triple Zero, receive emergency information, and stay in touch with family and friends.
The TDRI program is part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan includes $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.
This new program complements work taken by the Albanese Government to boost the resilience of ABC broadcasting towers across Australia through its $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program, and work to boost the resilience of mobile networks under the $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP).
Applications for both streams of the TDRI program are open until 5:00pm AEDT Friday 20 October 2023.
For more information on the Power Resilience and Innovation Rounds of the TDRI program, please visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/telecommunications-disaster-resilience-innovation-program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Access to telecommunications coverage during a natural disaster can be the difference between life and death.
“While no network is ever 100 per cent disaster-proof, the Albanese Government is determined to do what we can to boost the resilience of our telecommunications networks.
“The new Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation program will fund a wide range of innovative local projects across Australia to reduce the likelihood of telco outages during disasters.
“I strongly encourage the sector to engage with communities across the country to develop and submit proposals that will ensure Australians are able to stay connected when they need it most”.
Quotes attributable to Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP.
“Our community has seen first hand what happens when you lose communications I’ve seen the terrible circumstances my family, friends and community faced during bushfires, floods and storms – and it’s just not good enough. Reliable telecommunications are vital during a disaster, and I’m committed improving the reliability and resilience of our local telecommunications networks,”
“I’ve previously worked to highlight areas of concern in our region, and I’ll be encouraging telcos to co-invest with the Federal Government to deliver what our communities need.
“The TDRI grants program incentivises new and creative solutions to improve the resilience of our communities. Our region is a unique area, and we need tailor made solutions, this program will help provide those solutions.”
