New Mobile Phone Black Spot round announced to extend network coverage
11 June 2018
New Mobile Phone Black Spot round announced to extend network coverage
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien, has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to extend the mobile phone network to blackspot areas.
The Coalition Government is committing $25 million for a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering more coverage to regional and remote communities.
Mr O’Brien said the new round demonstrates the Turnbull-McCormack Government’s commitment to ensuring regional Australians have access to 21st century communications.
“This announcement is great news for those people living, working and travelling within regional communities,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program encourages telecommunication companies to roll out the mobile phone network to places where it is not financially viable for them to act alone.
“This new round will enable more people to take advantage of the social and economic benefits that 21st century communications can provide, as well as improving the safety of regional communities with little or no coverage.
“I encourage local residents, businesses and community organisations to engage with their state and local governments through the consultation process, to help eliminate mobile phone blackspots,” Mr O’Brien said.
Minister McKenzie said the new Mobile Black Spot Program round will ensure regional Australians aren’t left behind.
“The new round will call for applications from mobile carriers within the coming months, taking input from state, territory and local governments, as well as businesses, community organisations and emergency services,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The Mobile Black Spot Program is already over halfway complete and is on track to deliver 867 base stations nationwide by June 2019.”
The competitive selection process, and submission details, for Round 4 of the program is expected to commence in the second half of 2018
More information about the program is available at: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp
