The Mapping the Digital Gap project, established through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S), in partnership with Telstra in 2021, is the first comprehensive study of remote First Nations communities’ participation in, and access to, the digital economy.

This first outcomes report provides an overview of the first year findings from 2022 research visits. It covers key survey results and indicators of the digital gap; context and findings for each of the ten research sites; and analysis of results across the three ADII dimensions of digital inclusion – Access, Affordability and Digital Ability – as well as the crucial role of service delivery and news and media access in these communities. Case studies, photos and quotes from interviews highlight the on-the-ground experience for residents and service providers across the research sites.