A new three-year, $570,000 pilot program will aim to restore free-to-air television access in remote communities in the NT, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has pledged as part of its “restoring the Territory lifestyle” plans, which will involve lobbying the Federal Government and utilising technology to “retransmit digital television services” into homes that were lost following the 2013 nation-wide switch to digital television.

The government said the initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide in remote areas, where nearly 90 per cent of households in some communities currently lack access to free-to-air television.

Grants will be provided to the Central Desert, MacDonnell, and Barkly regional councils to “reinstate” free-to-air television access in remote communities and to test “practical, cost-effective solutions to bring free-to-air television” back to the remote community areas, which will involve “cost-effective technology to retransmit digital television services…straight into homes”.

When Australia first transitioned to digital television in 2013, the Commonwealth introduced Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) but did not provide ongoing funding for maintenance, the NT Government said.

It quoted an RMIT University study that found up to 90 per cent of households in some remote Territory communities lost access to VAST since that time due to equipment failure in “harsh remote conditions and the complexity of operating the service”.

The government said “technical and social data” will be gathered to showcase the viability of rebroadcasting as a means to restore television access. This information will support efforts to encourage the Federal Government to reinstate long-term funding and its responsibilities for remote broadcasting infrastructure.

The three councils welcomed the plan to bring free-to-air television back to remote communities.

“For remote communities, this is a practical step toward closing the gap in access to basic services,” said MacDonnell Regional Council deputy CEO Keith Hassett.

“This is local decision-making in action, and council looks forward to working with the Northern Territory Government to make the trial a success for our communities.”

“This pilot will test practical delivery models to inform future investment while helping families access trusted news, emergency information, sport and shared entertainment,” said Central Desert CEO Ilario Sabatino.

The government said technical scoping and community engagement with residents will occur “over the coming months”.

If all goes well, residents of remote communities in Central Australia may have their connections restored by the end of the year, Corporate and Digital Development Minister Josh Burgoyne said.

“Many remote families have been forced to rely on mobile phones and the internet to watch television, access news, and stay connected – that comes at a cost,” he said.

“While broadcasting remains a Commonwealth responsibility, we will continue to call on them to provide a long-term solution. The CLP Government is stepping up, working with councils and communities to provide a way forward and deliver real outcomes on the ground.”