NSW Digital Connectivity Index
The NSW Government is focused on making digital connectivity throughout the state world-leading, affordable and resilient, as outlined in the NSW Connectivity Strategy.
The Connectivity Index is a user-friendly tool that measures the quality of digital connectivity across NSW. It goes beyond a basic internet coverage map by considering factors like access, affordability, and demographics.
Key features:
- Access: evaluates coverage, speed, choice, and latency of connectivity.
- Affordability: assesses the cost of connectivity in relation to income.
- Demographics: considers social factors that influence digital tool usage.
The Index uses detailed data from public and commercial sources to provide an in-depth look at digital connectivity in specific locations. It highlights both mobile and fixed network capabilities, showing what digital activities are possible on the go and at home.
Through the Connectivity Index, government agencies and communities can gain access to reliable and consistent connectivity data, enabling them to make informed decisions. It can help identify priorities, inform digital inclusion initiatives and guide digital infrastructure investments within the state.
The Connectivity Index data is constantly being updated and improving its methodology, to ensure the connectivity scores accurately represent current conditions.
Key NSW Index scores*
(*based on Index On the Move scores, at a Suburb level)
How to read the Index score:
The higher the Index score, the more likely a user will be able to conduct everyday digital activities in the selected area.
| Score | Rating | What does this score mean? |
|---|---|---|
| 81-100 | Excellent | Communities with these scores are highly likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 61-80 | Above Average | Communities with these scores are likely able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 41-60 | Average | Communities with these scores are less likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 21-40 | Below Average | Communities with these scores are unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
| 0-20 | Poor | Communities with these scores are highly unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working from home, video conferencing, gaming and online streaming. |
Score 81-100 Rating Excellent What does this score mean? Communities with these scores are highly likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
Score 61-80 Rating Above Average What does this score mean? Communities with these scores are likely able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
Score 41-60 Rating Average What does this score mean? Communities with these scores are less likely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
Score 21-40 Rating Below Average What does this score mean? Communities with these scores are unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working, video conferencing and accessing telehealth. |
Score 0-20 Rating Poor What does this score mean? Communities with these scores are highly unlikely to be able to meaningfully conduct digital activities such as working from home, video conferencing, gaming and online streaming. |
Frequently asked questions
The Connectivity Index assesses digital connectivity through three key elements:
- Access: this evaluates the availability and quality of digital connectivity in a specific location, using data on coverage and performance.
- Affordability: it assesses whether the cost of connectivity is reasonable for the local community, considering income levels and the expenses associated with accessing digital services.
- Demographics: this factor measures important social characteristics in the area, such as skills, education levels, age demographics and specific needs for assistance, all of which can impact the effective use of digital tools and connectivity.
The Connectivity Index measures the digital connectivity experience of an area by considering factors such as internet speed, the availability of mobile and internet providers and how prepared the population is to use the internet based on education and skills. It sets minimum standards for each of these factors and considers different situations, such as using the internet at home or on the go. By combining these factors, the Index gives an overall score that shows how well an area meets its residents' connectivity needs.
"On the Move" refers to digital activities you do when you're out and about, using mobile connectivity on your phone or other mobile device. This could include things like browsing social media, using GPS navigation, or streaming music.
"Stationary" refers to digital activities conducted through fixed networks, providing stable connectivity when you are in a single, fixed location, such as at home or in the office. This could include things like working from home, downloading large files, video conferencing, or online gaming.
The Connectivity Index measures the effectiveness and performance of these activities in both scenarios, indicating how well digital tasks can be accomplished via mobile networks when on the go and via fixed networks when stationary.
The Index’s “Suburb” filter refers to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ “Suburbs and Localities”, which represent officially recognised residential areas defined by state governments. They function primarily as geographic identifiers for your neighbourhood.
In contrast, LGAs encompass a broader geographic area, grouping multiple suburbs and localities under a single local council's jurisdiction. These councils are responsible for essential services like waste collection, park maintenance and local road upkeep.
Suburbs/localities identify your specific neighbourhood, while LGAs define the administrative zone managed by your local council.
We continuously update the NSW Digital Connectivity Index data and improve its methodology to ensure the connectivity scores accurately represent current conditions.
The latest update was carried out in July 2024 and includes the most recent publicly available data on mobile coverage and network performance. The methodology used to calculate the Index scores has also been improved based on valuable user feedback.
The updated Index now includes refreshed scores for access, affordability and demographics, offering a more comprehensive view of digital connectivity.
The Connectivity Index combines data from over 400 million data points, including geographical data with indicators like coverage, network performance, income and demographics. It was then combined with data from existing best practice indices and tested with stakeholders to create a comprehensive benchmark for connectivity. The data and the methodology have also been independently verified.
The latest update includes the most recent publicly available data on mobile coverage and network performance. It integrates Optus, Telstra and TPG coverage data from January 2023, as well as recent mobile performance metrics from November 2021 to December 2023.
Majority of the data used by the Index tool is sourced from public sites. There is no personal or commercial in confidence data used in the Index tool. The tool adheres to the privacy and data frameworks set by NSW Government.
At this stage any NSW government agency, including emergency services, can be provided access to the agency version of the tool. The request for login details can be made online via the Index tool itself.
Yes. NSW Government agencies can use the tool to combine Connectivity Index information with other data sets to explore critical issues or themes. For example, it can be overlaid with data on roads, bushfire-prone areas or car accidents, to identify road segments that should be prioritised for improvements, such as in improving safety and efficiency.
The Connectivity Index and its scores are a reliable source of meaningful digital connectivity data that provides public users with greater transparency on digital connectivity across the state.
Through the Connectivity Index, users can:
- Understand how their connectivity ranks in comparison to other areas.
- Access vital information about potential connectivity challenges, ensuring they are better prepared.
- Assess whether local area connectivity meets their needs.
For example, a user moving to Sydney can find out what connectivity is like in the suburb of Sydney they are planning to reside.
Please reach out to our team at connectivityindex@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.