Deadline: 21-Nov-22
The NSW Government is accepting applications for its Gig State Grant Opportunity to deliver better internet connectivity for communities in regional NSW through new and improved infrastructure.
The focus of the grant is to deliver internet connectivity that is metropolitan equivalent, to residents who currently rely on satellite internet services.
Objectives
- The objectives of the grant opportunity are to:
- provide metropolitan equivalent internet services in terms of price, quality and speed
- address the digital divide by delivering improved internet services for underserved areas of regional NSW
- deliver sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions that meet the current and future needs of regional communities.
Funding Information
- A total of $60 million is available under the Gig State grant opportunity for the construction and delivery of internet solutions that improve connectivity in locations within regional NSW.
Benefits
- Benefits of this investment will include:
- internet access that matches services available in metropolitan areas
- more reliable connectivity to boost long-term jobs growth in rural and regional areas
- improved internet offering for speed, quality, and price for regional businesses and residents, and
- a long-term solution that will help regions grow now, but also meet their needs well into the future.
What the funding can be used for?
- Applications can request grant funding for the following expenditure:
- pre-construction costs (e.g. design costs, planning approvals costs, site acquisition costs, direct project management costs)
- capital expenditure and other expenses directly related to the delivery of infrastructure (e.g. equipment, power, backhaul, new / strengthening towers)
- customer connection infrastructure costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible to apply for funding, applicants must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- hold or commit to appropriate public liability insurance to the satisfaction of the department prior to executing a funding deed with the department
- have an Australian Carrier Licence under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth).
- Applicants can submit a joint application, but a lead applicant with an Australian Carrier Licence will need to be nominated. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will enter the funding deed and be ultimately responsible for the project.
- Applicants will be required to make a cash co-contribution towards the construction and operation of the proposed internet connectivity solution. Applicants’ cash contributions will be expected to increase based on the relative commercial viability of their proposed internet connectivity solution.
For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/gig-state-grant-opportunity