Suzie Christensen, Lord Howe Island Board, The Lord Howe Island Signal

Community feedback on the improved short-term communications options for LHI was gathered in November 2023.

The survey results showed that the majority of residents are in favour of preserving the Island’s unique way of life when it comes to connectivity.

Most respondents believe that the Island should wait until future technology becomes available rather than invest in a short-term solution.

Based on the results of LHIB’s online survey and responses to the connectivity proposal, at the Dec 2023 Board Meeting the LHI Board reviewed the following next steps (See page 128 of Board paper here):

• Reject Owners Consent to install a Microcell under the blackspot program, do not use grant resources to install further Microcells and wait until future technology (5G advanced/6G) arrives on Lord Howe Island.
• Re-evaluate the communications landscape in 2-3 years’ time to understand what gaps in communication, if any, may exist after the introduction of 5G Advanced/6G. The LHIB can explore future grants to address any shortcomings identified.
• Allow market forces to install public Wi-Fi independently and operate autonomously.
• Apply for a variance to SCCF round 5 grant and look to redirect remaining funds to other projects that satisfies the fund requirements.

The recommendation to refuse Owners Consent for Telstra to install a microcell on Lord Howe Island as part of the Blackspot program was approved.

The survey also supported the idea that the market (e.g. Telstra/ independent operators), rather than LHIB, should be responsible for responding to demand to improve connectivity.

Future national infrastructure like 5G Advanced/6G is expected to become available to the Island from mid-late 2025.

Contact Senior Project Officer Darcelle Matassoni (Darcelle.Matassoni@lhib.nsw.gov.au) if you have questions about the results of the survey.

This article appeared in The Lord Howe Island Signal, 29 February 2024.