Regional Connectivity Program: Round 2 – Broadcasting and Telecommunications

The Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) Round 2 is a competitive grant opportunity to expand the economic, social and public safety benefits of improved digital connectivity to regional, rural and remote Australian communities. Up to $112 million (GST inclusive) is available for Round 2, including $45 million (GST inclusive) for projects in Northern Australia under the Connecting Northern Australia initiative (CNA initiative). The grant opportunity will be administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDC).

Funded infrastructure under Round 2 of the RCP must provide retail mobile or broadband services to a regional, rural or remote community or a subset of the community (such as local businesses, tourist locations, schools etc.) for an operational period of 7 years.

The CNA initiative will support projects which respond to the specific connectivity needs of rural and remote communities in the north, a vital strategic growth area. There is no separate application process or eligibility criteria to receive funding as part of the CNA initiative.

To assist collaboration between local communities, the telecommunications industry, governments and other organisations, the Government has launched an online project noticeboard which will enable interested parties to foster links and work together on proposals for funding.