Expanding Regional Tech Hub to Support Rural Australians: Tender Opened for Bids
Australian Government Seeks Tenders for Regional Tech Hub Expansion
The Australian Government is committed to improving telecommunications services in regional, rural, and remote Australia. To achieve this objective, the Government has opened a tender process for the expansion of the Regional Tech Hub, which provides free advice on telecommunications services to regional Australians.
What is the Regional Tech Hub?
The Regional Tech Hub is a vital resource for regional consumers of telecommunications services. It provides independent and factual information and troubleshooting advice to regional Australians on how to connect and stay connected to communications services. The Hub has been assisting regional Australians since December 2020 and offers support via a website, online helpdesk, phone support line, discussion forum, and social media.
Government Commitment to Better Connectivity in Regional Australia
The expansion of the Regional Tech Hub is part of the Albanese Government's Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which aims to improve telecommunications services in regional areas. The plan has committed $656 million, including $6 million towards the expansion and extension of the Regional Tech Hub.
Benefits of the Regional Tech Hub
Accessing and troubleshooting phone and internet connectivity can be more complex for regional Australians due to various reasons. The Regional Tech Hub helps regional Australians work through these challenges and ensures that regional communities can reach their full potential. The Hub provides independent and factual information tailored to the unique circumstances experienced by regional, rural, and remote communities.
Government Commitment to Regional Australians
The expansion of the Regional Tech Hub fulfills a Government election commitment and supports the recommendation of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2021 Report for a substantially enhanced and resourced Regional Tech Hub. Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said that the Federal Government is delivering on its commitment to expand and support the essential work of the Regional Tech Hub.
Tender Process for Regional Tech Hub Expansion
The successful tender will support the work of the Hub for a period of three years from 1 July 2023. Interested parties can find more information about the Regional Tech Hub tender process at https://www.tenders.gov.au/.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Regional Tech Hub is a significant step towards improving connectivity in regional, rural, and remote Australia. The Hub is an essential resource for regional Australians, and its continued and expanded operation will play a critical role in ensuring that all Australians have access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services.