The CfAT mobile telephone hotspots comprise a concrete pad, stand and an antenna to boost mobile phone signals. Photo: CfAT.
The Northern Territory Government says residents of five remote Aboriginal homelands in Central Australia will now have better mobile phone coverage, thanks to new mobile hotspots.
The latest hotspots have been installed as a part of a $300,000 program to deliver hotspots to residents and tourists in partnership with the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT) which has delivered 53 hotspots at remote locations across the Territory.
The five newest hotspots have seen improved communications established for the remote homelands of Petyale, Ankweleyelengkwe, Welere, Urrermerne and Payeperrentye.
The locations were determined using GPS, and the signals were tested to find the best position. Physically, the hotspots comprise a concrete pad, stands and an antenna which amplifies the mobile signal.
The program will also fund CfAT to inspect and make repairs to the hotspot installations, and has seen CfAT train local residents to install the hotspot technology.
Territory Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Selena Uibo said the technology provided by the remote community mobile hotspots would lead to better education and livelihoods for those communities.
“The vast remoteness of the Northern Territory makes the mobile phone connectivity extremely important for remote communities and it makes our investment in this program extremely important,” she said.
CEO of CfAT Peter Renehan said he was extremely proud of the Aboriginal Technology Team that was able to successfully undertake the site assessment and installation of the latest mobile telephone hotspots in the homelands.
“On the back of initiatives like this, CfAT is aiming to increase the number of Aboriginal people it employs in its Aboriginal Technology Team as we continue to expand the range of technology services we provide in Central Australia,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to undertake maintenance on mobile telephone hotspots in 2024.
“We strongly believe that reliable and maintainable digital connectivity will significantly improve the livelihoods of Aboriginal people choosing to return and live on their Country.”
