Up to $22,000,000 to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable place-based internet, expanding social, cultural, and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
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What is the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program?
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program (FNCWP) is a new Australian Government grant opportunity designed to fund free community Wi-Fi solutions in eligible remote and very remote First Nations communities. Through an open competitive process, this grant will help bridge the digital divide by providing place-based and reliable internet access that supports improved social, cultural, and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program level of support
Grants:
- The Australian Government has allocated a total of AUD $22 million to the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program.
- Individual grants can range from $0 up to $22 million, although there is no set minimum amount per grant.
- However, the maximum grant amount for a single community project is $1.5 million.
Co-contributions:
- Co-contributions are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged.
- Co-contributions can be financial (cash) or in-kind (for example, additional equipment or services).
- Applicants who can demonstrate external funding or investment—whether from state, territory, or local governments, community contributions, or private partnerships—will generally receive a stronger assessment score in the ‘Co-funding’ criterion.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program important dates
- Close Date & Time: 24 April 2025, 5:00 pm AEST
- Assessment Period: 4 – 6 weeks after applications close
- Project Completion: All capital works must be finished by 30 June 2027
- Operational Period: At least 5 years of free community Wi-Fi services following project completion
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program objectives
- Deliver place-based, free community Wi-Fi solutions in eligible remote and very remote First Nations communities.
- Improve connectivity for communities with no or limited internet services, ensuring affordability and reliability.
- Enhance socio-economic outcomes, including better access to health, education, and government services, while supporting employment and digital literacy.
- Foster sustainability so that communities have ongoing free access and a pathway to upgrade Wi-Fi solutions over time.
- Support self-determination and local priorities by working collaboratively and respectfully with First Nations communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program support
To be eligible, projects must:
- Provide free community Wi-Fi access within a remote or very remote First Nations community (as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 remoteness areas).
- Offer a demonstrable improvement over existing services in the area (if any).
- Include at least 12 hours of backup power capability (e.g. battery or other auxiliary power supply).
- Demonstrate community engagement and support, ensuring solutions are place-based and culturally appropriate.
Eligible expenditure can include (but is not limited to):
- Capital costs, such as installing new or upgraded telecommunications infrastructure, power supply (excluding ongoing usage costs for mains power), and ancillary equipment.
- Capitalised costs of backhaul (e.g. satellite, fibre, or microwave) for the service’s operational period (using a suitable discount rate).
- Project management and community engagement costs directly related to building or delivering the infrastructure.
Ineligible expenditure (cannot be funded) includes:
- Ongoing operating expenses like electricity bills for the Wi-Fi equipment.
- Any upgrades or expansions you had already planned to do commercially.
- Purchase or lease of land.
- Domestic travel costs not directly linked to capital works.
- General administrative overheads not related to the capital project.
- Any retrospective costs incurred before the grant agreement is executed.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for funding.
Other First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program support
To meet the eligibility criteria, you must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be exempt, and be registered for GST (or exempt).
- Have an account with an Australian financial institution.
- Be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
- Be one of the following:
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- A licensed telecommunications carrier under the Telecommunications Act 1997
- An owner or intended owner of the infrastructure with a Nominated Carrier Declaration (NCD), or who intends to hold an NCD
- A joint (consortium) application, with a lead organisation that meets the above carrier/NCD ownership requirement
Ineligible entities include individuals, unincorporated associations, and any organisation on the National Redress Scheme list of institutions that have not joined or signified intent to join the Scheme.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program assessment criteria
Applicants must address five merit criteria, each with a specific weighting:
1. Place-based, needs-based solutions (30 points + 5 bonus points)
- Demonstrate culturally aware, respectful, and collaborative engagement with First Nations communities.
- Show how the solution is tailored to local priorities and includes community control measures if requested.
- Additional 5 points apply for priority locations (as identified by the Department).
2. Sustainability and Economic Benefits (25 points total)
- Sustainability (15 points): Outline your approach to ensure the solution remains free, reliable, and possibly scalable or upgradable long-term, including any self-funding models.
- Economic Benefits (10 points): Show how the project will increase local jobs, economic activity, or other benefits such as supporting tourism or creating new opportunities.
3. Social Benefits (15 points)
- Demonstrate how the project improves access to health, education, public safety, and community connection.
- Emphasise how it supports Closing the Gap initiatives, particularly Target 17 on digital inclusion.
4. Capacity, Capability, and Resources (25 points)
- Highlight your organisation’s experience delivering similar projects, especially in remote or very remote areas.
- Present a robust project plan, risk management approach, and evidence that you can deliver on time and budget.
5. Co-funding Contributions (5 points)
- Higher scores are given if you can bring in additional non-Commonwealth funding (cash or in-kind).
- While co-funding is not mandatory, it can significantly boost your application’s competitiveness.
How do I get the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program application
Applicants should gather and develop:
- Project plan (timeline, tasks, milestones)
- Indicative budget and supporting quotes for infrastructure and backhaul services
- Risk management plan (including backup power and contingencies)
- Community engagement plan (outlining culturally informed consultation)
- Evidence of financial viability (e.g. Accountant Declaration, board endorsement)
- Letters of support from the relevant First Nations communities or community-controlled organisations
Ensure you understand any state, territory, or local government requirements, especially if using existing infrastructure or public land.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program
Submit Stage One (Applicant Eligibility) to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au by the specified deadline.
Receive invitation and Application Pack if you pass eligibility.
Complete your full application, addressing each assessment criterion and including all required attachments (project plan, budget, letters of support, etc.).
Email your completed application before 5.00 pm (AEST) on Thursday, 24 April 2025, to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au.
Await assessment and announcement. The Department will notify all applicants of the outcome and, if successful, you’ll finalise and sign a grant agreement.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program resources
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