Connectivity can be a real problem when living in rural, regional or remote Australia and finding the solution can be even more problematic particularly if you are running a large organisation like a council.
Those you do find to help are usually also trying to sell you something, cost an arm and a leg or know nothing about the area’s specific needs and give out a generic spiel.
Problems like these were the reason the Regional Tech Hub, a free service for those outside the metropolitan areas, was founded.
The RTH was established in response to the Regional Telecommunications Review’s findings and is made possible through the Australian Government’s Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity funding package.
RTH Community Engagement Officer Kristen Coggan (who often finds herself all over the country thanks to her job) said the group was pretty unique, offering one-on-one bespoke advice, as well as the ability to train people on the ground, hold workshops and build skills and connectivity literacy.
“The Regional Tech Hub is really special, it offers a unique service,” she said.
“We are an independent and free source of information for anyone, business owners, communities, groups, councils, chambers, anyone really to find information regarding any of their connectivity issues. Whether that be landline, mobile phone, internet. We’re completely independent, we’re not aligned with any company. We’re a free service.
“We just aim to give a really good holistic approach to people’s connectivity issues. We can give them all sorts of options and help them action any choices they may make regarding connectivity for their situation.”
The most unique part of their service is the one-on-one service.
“Someone can come to us who has no understanding or language to talk about what it is they want or need, or they might have a particular problem that they can’t solve,” she said.
“They can call us and have one-on-one conversations with a member of our tech team. They can really work out what they want and what would suit them next.
“When it comes to councils we can work with them and have a look at what is impacting their areas, their communities, or even what they need assistance with themselves in the office. We can meet with chambers of commerce, to identify and address any connectivity concerns and look at what’s coming in the future.
“We have the ability to travel to an LGA and present, guest speak and provide a collection of resources best suited to their specific needs.
The Regional Tech Hub knows that reliable and appropriate connectivity is essential for most people these days and we are available to help anyone understand what they need and how to get it, and there’s no charge for it.”
Further information and ways to engage with the RTH can be found at regionaltechhub.org.au/about/ or you can email Kristen at kcoggan@regionaltechhub.org.au
