A communications policy perspective on CTC sustainability in regional Australia: commercial viability and social good

Community Technology Centers (CTCs) seek to provide regional communities with access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and broadband services. The focus of this paper is on developing sustainability in such CTCs in contexts that are often challenged by economic decline. An exploration of current communications policy is undertaken to better understand the provision of these equity initiatives. Using Australian legislation for telecommunications and broadcasting, the paper provides a framework to understand sustainability in CTCs. Out of this analysis a more detailed understanding of sustainability is advanced.