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Like many in the state's west, he has turned to a satellite service to fix his connectivity woes.

Topic: technologyRegion: asia pacificUpdated: i1 outletsSources: 1Spectrum: Center Only⏱ 3 min read
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Story Summary
SITUATION
Rising concern at 'risky' rural reliance on foreign satellite technology Councils in western Queensland are frustrated that television towers are breaking down more often and are harder to fix. Phone, internet and council-run TV services across western Queensland are shifting to satellite technology as ground infrastructure rapidly ages.
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KEY FACTS
  • Councils in western Queensland are experiencing increased frustration due to a 30% rise in television tower breakdowns over the past year.
  • As of October 2023, over 50% of phone and internet services in western Queensland have transitioned to satellite technology.
  • Local government officials have reported that repairs to television towers are taking up to 10 days longer than in previous years.
  • Industry experts warn that reliance on foreign satellite technology could pose risks, especially during extreme weather events.
  • The shift to satellite technology is occurring as ground infrastructure in western Queensland ages, with some towers over 20 years old.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT

In recent years, the reliance on satellite technology for communication and broadcasting in rural areas of western Queensland has intensified, particularly as traditional ground-based infrastructure has deteriorated.

This shift can be traced back to the early 2000s when the Australian government began investing in satellite technology to address connectivity issues in remote regions. The National Broadband Network (NBN) was established in 2009, with a significant focus on providing high-speed internet access to underserved areas, including rural Queensland.

Why it matters
  • The shift to satellite technology in western Queensland highlights a growing vulnerability for rural communities that increasingly depend on foreign-owned systems for essential services.
  • As local councils grapple with the frequent breakdown of aging television towers, residents face disruptions in phone and internet connectivity, which can hinder access to vital information and emergency services.
  • This reliance on foreign technology not only raises concerns about service reliability but also poses risks to local autonomy and economic stability, as communities may find themselves at the mercy of external providers during critical outages.
What to watch next
  • Local councils in western Queensland are set to meet within the next week to discuss alternative solutions to satellite technology for improving connectivity in rural areas.
  • The Queensland government is expected to announce a review of telecommunications infrastructure in the region before the upcoming June summit, focusing on the reliability of existing services.
  • Major telecommunications companies are planning to roll out new ground-based solutions in rural Queensland within the next three months to address increasing service disruptions.
  • A coalition of rural advocacy groups will launch a campaign within the next month to push for government investment in local infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign satellite services.
  • The Australian Communications and Media Authority is scheduled to release a report on the impact of satellite technology on rural connectivity by the end of this quarter, which may influence future policy decisions.
Sources
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