Maslow Telecom and the Concordia Initiative have completed two pilot projects that will provide free internet access to vulnerable people in Australia.
The projects in Western Australia and Victoria focused on individuals who lacked access to fixed-line or mobile services because of cost, location or personal circumstances.
The two organisations delivered high-speed internet to approximately 50 residents in Ngalingkadji, Western Australia, while around 300 people benefited in St Kilda, Victoria.
Entrepreneur Urges Billion-Dollar Firms to Provide Connectivity Solutions
Maslow is a social enterprise telecommunications company, while Concordia is an Australian charity. Both organisations are funded by entrepreneur Peter Marchiori.
He has donated more than $500,000 towards digital inclusion initiatives since April 2024, making lives better for hundreds of Australian citizens in remote communities.
His efforts have opened the door for more people to access vital services such as the reputable telehealth providers featured on the Medicompare website.
It is the first Australian platform to offer comprehensive, independent reviews of nationwide telehealth services and empowers people to make well-informed choices.
Accessing land-based medical facilities can be extremely problematic for people who live in remote areas, and Marchiori is eager to provide a solution to the problem.
“Connectivity is care,” he said. “Digital access is a human right – not a luxury. If a small charity can deliver faster, cheaper and more effective solutions than billion-dollar telcos, imagine what we could achieve if more organisations backed this model.
“Our pilot programmes are scalable and we would love to extend them to more people in need, with backing and support from others.
Maslow & Concordia Collaborate on National SIM Project
Maslow and Concordia have also collaborated on a national programme, which has already distributed more than 3,000 free SIM cards through 111 partner organisations across Australia.
The Salvation Army, Mission Australia, The Orange Door Network and The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre are amongst the organisations who have supported the scheme.
The SIMs have been supplied to people facing financial vulnerability and unstable access to services. The two organisations plan to expand the project when more backers come on board.
Maslow operates on the Telstra Wholesale Network and donates all of its profits towards digital inclusion programmes in Australia. It also supports more than 1,000 active monthly users on low-cost mobile plans with flexible payment options.
The Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation works with clients in remote communities in Western Australia. They helped people after the Fitzroy Valley was hit by a tropical cyclone.
Marcel Sithole, the firm’s financial counselling services manager, says the help afforded to local people by Maslow and Concordia has been invaluable.
“Their support has helped break down a major digital barrier in our region, fostering real change for families facing financial hardship,” Sithole said.
“The Concordia Initiative’s SIM programme has made a significant difference to Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation’s service delivery in the Fitzroy Valley.
“With many of our clients living in remote communities where phone access is limited or unaffordable, the free SIMs have enabled us to reconnect vulnerable individuals with essential services and support.
“These SIMs have been critical for things such as banking access, government services access and digital literacy support.”
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