In a digital society, connectivity is the main driver for inclusion and active participation. It ensures we have a strong economy able to grow, a modern and smart government, and resilient and safe communities.

However NSW still has numerous areas with poor or no connectivity. Around 15 per cent of major roads do not have mobile coverage and around 30 per cent of the rail network has poor or no coverage. There are 4,000 reported mobile black spots in NSW that impact around 10,000 premises whilst Sydney ranks 24 out of 30 global peers for resident satisfaction with internet speed and reliability.

As a result of this poor connectivity, more than 26 per cent of children under the age of 15 in remote areas of NSW did not have the internet at home in 2021. Only 23 per cent of people living in outer regional, remote or very remote areas accessed telehealth services compared to 30.4 per cent of those living in inner regional areas and cities. 38 per cent of NSW's Aboriginal households did not have an internet connection in 2016.

It is vital, as NSW improves our digital infrastructure, that our efforts are coordinated with an overarching strategy.

NSW Telco Authority has developed the NSW Connectivity Strategy to align and optimise state-wide programs and opportunities to ensure modern, high speed digital networks are available to all.

The strategy is an important step forward to align with world's best practice, accelerate access to digital services, and close the digital divide between metropolitan, rural, and regional areas.

The strategy aims to deliver meaningful, world-class, affordable, and resilient connectivity for citizens, businesses, emergency services and government; one that is coordinated across government agencies and enables full participation in digital services and systems anywhere, anytime.