Round 5A of the Federal Government’s $380M Mobile Black Spot Program is now open for applications.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the new round would have a specific focus on improving mobile coverage along major transport corridors and in disaster-prone regions.
“Improving coverage in natural disaster-prone areas is critical for keeping people connected during times of emergency, whether it’s to loved ones, or emergency services,” Wicks said.
“Since 2013 the Mobile Black Spot Program has delivered increased mobile coverage in local suburbs such as Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Calga and Wendoree Park.”
Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton, said the continuing investment in mobile base stations is further proof of the Government’s commitment to connecting Australians in regional areas.
“The first five rounds of the program have funded over 1,200 new base stations in regional Australia, with more than 880 of these already switched on,” Coulton said.
“Round 5A will support new ways of delivering mobile services to locations that have traditionally been less economic for mobile network operators.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said that the Government is continuing to work with industry and state and local governments to improve connectivity across Australia, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
“Round 5A will bring further improvements in mobile coverage – building on the progress made since this program began in 2013,” Fletcher said.
Wicks has encouraged local communities and Central Coast Council to identify their priorities for improved coverage, and to work with the mobile network operators and infrastructure providers in support of applications for funding for those areas.
Applications for Round 5A will close on February 10, 2020.
For more information about the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Round 5A process, visit: www.communications.gov.au/MBSP
Source:
Media release, Dec 21
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks