The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Australia has raised concerns about the future of the Regional Tech Hub, warning uncertainty over its funding risks leaving rural and remote families without critical support to access reliable digital connectivity.

In a letter to Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells, the ICPA said the service plays a vital role in helping geographically isolated families understand and navigate increasingly complex telecommunications options.

The organisation said digital connectivity underpins equitable access to education for rural students, enabling participation in distance learning, online platforms and engagement with schools and support services.

However, it warned connectivity outcomes across regional Australia remain “highly variable and complex,” despite ongoing infrastructure investment, making independent advice essential.

“Without the Regional Tech Hub, many families are left to navigate this complexity alone,” the letter states, noting members frequently report receiving inaccurate or misleading advice from telecommunications retailers about service availability in their area.

The ICPA said this can lead to costly and ineffective decisions, further widening the gap between metropolitan and regional Australia.

The Regional Tech Hub, established following recommendations from the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review, is described as the only national service providing free, impartial and practical guidance tailored to rural users.

Staffed by a team based across regional Australia, the service helps users troubleshoot connectivity issues and make informed decisions based on local conditions.

The ICPA is now calling on the Federal Government to urgently activate a 12-month extension to ensure continuity while longer-term funding arrangements are considered.

It warned failure to provide certainty could lead to the loss of experienced regional staff, reduced outreach and limited forward planning, ultimately weakening a service it describes as critical to improving telecommunications outcomes.

The association said ongoing support for the hub represents a practical and cost-effective way to maximise the benefits of existing and future telecommunications investments, while ensuring rural Australians are not left behind.