Govt issues tender for Regional Digital Tech Hub

The federal government has launched a tender process for the design of a new Regional Digital Technology Hub.

The government is seeking vendors to apply to design, build and operate the new hub, which will support regional Australians in building digital capabilities.

According to Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton, a key priority of the new tech hub will be to bridge the urban–rural digital divide.

The hub is being developed in response to the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review, which recommended that regional Australians be provided with guidance on how to get the most out of technology.

“It will provide regional consumers with a range of practical resources from how to troubleshoot mobile phone and internet issues right up to how to escalate faults with a connected service, and helping users understand their consumer rights,” Coulton said.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher added that the hub will help regional Australians overcome the barriers they face finding the right solution for their communication needs.

“The Digital Hub will support regional Australians in building their digital capabilities and provide independent, factual information about the range of digital services and solutions available to them,” he said.

The government has accordingly instructed interested parties to prioritise assisting regional Australians in their submissions to the tender process. Applications will be open until 6 July, and the hub is expected to be operational from late October.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/immimagery