Latest technology, solar powered, satellite savvy phones will be installed
free of charge in up to 300 remote Indigenous communities between 2009
and 2012 under the Federal Government’s Indigenous Communications Program (ICP).
The ICP is a $30 million initiative to help improve communications services in remote Indigenous communities. The program is part of the Government’s response package to the Regional Telecommunications Review and provides essential telephone services, basic public internet access facilities and computer training for many remote Indigenous communities.
The high tech satellite phones are designed to function in remote and harsh conditions, and can be installed as a community resource in almost any location across Australia, including the central desert and rainforest regions.
The phones enable free calls to emergency services, as well as fixed home and business phone numbers within Australia. Prepaid calling cards can also be used to call mobile phones, 13 and international numbers.
Twenty-six phones were installed free of charge in remote Indigenous communities during September, October and November 2009, enabling communities in these areas to access the emergency, government and business services that most Australians take for granted.
The phones also make it much easier for family members to contact each other.
Remote Indigenous communities with up to 49 permanent residents and without reasonable access to a community payphone are encouraged to apply for a phone through the ICP.
For smaller or transient communities, a mobile satellite handset may be more suitable than a fixed community phone.
Satellite handsets are provided at no charge and line rental charges are covered for the first three years.
Communities will be provided with an initial supply of prepaid calling cards, which may be topped up after six, nine and 12 months.
Anyone can nominate a community for an ICP community phone, but all nomination forms must be endorsed by a Commonwealth, State or Territory Government official.
Detailed information about the ICP and community phones is available from www.dbcde.gov.au.
ICP staff members are able to provide information and can be contacted by phone on 1800 355 014 or email at icp@dbcde.gov.au
