Coalition Government extends mobile phone coverage to Widgee, Kin Kin and Woolooga (2)

August 22, 2016

22/08/2016
Coalition Government extends mobile phone coverage

The Wide Bay communities of Widgee, Kin Kin and Woolooga are benefitting from the Liberal Nationals Government investment through the Mobile Black Spots Programme to extend the mobile phone network, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said today.

“These communities have long fought for mobile phone coverage and I’m pleased to announce the Coalition Government has heard their call and is helping them to connect to the mobile network,” Mr O’Brien said. 

The Coalition’s Mobile Black Spot Programme supports the extension of the mobile phone network to areas where it has not been commercially viable for telecommunication operators to make those investments. 

“The new mobile phone base stations will boost coverage and assist emergency services, local businesses and residents, and visitors to the region,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“As a former police officer, I know that mobile communications are essential in times of emergency and natural disasters, enabling people to call for help and provide accurate and reliable on the ground information, allowing emergency services to respond. 

“During the recent election campaign I also announced that mobile phone coverage will be extended to Poona on the Fraser Coast and along the Wide Bay Highway between Kilkivan and Woolooga and I look forward to working with the re-elected Coalition Government to deliver these commitments,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“I thank the former Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, who for many years worked with the Widgee community and the Gympie Times to highlight the need for improved mobile phone coverage. 

“Unfortunately the former Labor Government resisted those calls and the roll out of the mobile phone network was put on hold nine years ago when Labor abolished the Howard Government’s $2.4 billion Regional Communications Fund. When the Coalition was re-elected it set to work on delivering a new Mobile Black Spot Programme, the benefits of which are now being enjoyed in Widgee, Kin Kin and Woolooga.” 

Information on the Mobile Black Spot Programme can be found at www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme. 

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