THE NSW Government has released an online tool for comparing connectivity quality across the state, producing some surprising outputs for the Hunter and MidCoast regions.
The NSW Digital Connectivity Index, accessible via the NSW Government website, breaks digital connectivity down into three key areas:
- Access: how strong is the coverage, how well the network performs and how many options are available.
- Affordability: if people can afford the connectivity technology options available based on their income.
- Demographics: how age, income and education shape the way people use digital services.
The Index uses public data from government and commercial sources, and “desktop research” to give “a full picture of digital connectivity in each region throughout NSW”.
Mobile coverage data for Optus, Telstra and TPG is current as of January 2024.
Broadband coverage data for NBN Co. is current as of March 2024.
Broadband performance data, including for providers like SpaceX Starlink, covers the period from August 2023 to July 2024.
The Index score is described as a “measure of the quality and effectiveness of digital connectivity in a selected area”.
It indicates the capability of a location to support various digital activities, such as remote work, online learning, or mobile internet usage.
The higher the score, the more favourable the conditions for digital activities in that area.
Communities with Index scores between 81-100 are highly likely to be able to reliably conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth.
Areas with scores from 1-20 are highly unlikely to be able to access those services.
Index results across the Hunter region are a mixed bag and locals may find them hard to believe.
Port Stephens results
The Port Stephens areas with the top listed results include Campvale (88), Tilligerry Creek (99), Fishermans Bay (89) and Taylors Beach (81).
Raymond Terrace scored 46, Medowie 61, Nelson Bay 50, Anna Bay 61, Shoal Bay 58, One Mile 73 and Corlette 71.
Myall Coast results
Tea Gardens was given a score of 52, Hawks Nest 67, Karuah 48, Bulahdelah 53 and North Arm Cove 64.
Bundabah scored 37, Allworth received 32, and Tahlee scored zero.
Topping the results for the Myall Coast area was Mungo Brush, with a score of 96.
Dungog/Stroud results
In the Dungog Shire, Dungog scored 48, Gresford 58, Paterson 67, Clarence Town 65 and Vacy 55.
Allynbrook received a score of zero, while Bandon Grove scored 24.
In neighbouring MidCoast Council, Stroud Hill scored zero while Stroud scored 47.
Gloucester results
The town of Gloucester received a score of 53, while Barrington scored 43 and Stratford 55.
Wards River scored 11, Monkerai 10 and Waukivory 22.
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