Government moves forward on $100million Mobile Black Spot Programme

With nominations for the Abbott Government’s $100 million mobile coverage programme set to close at the end of June, Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging all Durack stakeholders, who have not already done so, to make a submission.

“Inadequate mobile phone coverage remains a significant issue for Australians living, working and travelling in regional and remote areas of Australia,” Ms Price said.

“The Abbott government understands the importance of mobile coverage for people in regional Australia. That is why we have committed $100 million to improved mobile coverage in outer metropolitan, regional and remote Australia, through upgrading mobile phone network infrastructure including rolling out new base stations.

“Funding will be allocated through a competitive selection process designed to leverage a significant co-contribution from the mobile carriers.”

I recently welcomed Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications to Geraldton, to host a roundtable discussion of Durack’s mobile coverage issues with relevant stakeholders.

Mr Fletcher said the government had received extensive feedback from communities in Durack on the design and implementation of the programme and the priority locations that need improved coverage.”

“I welcome the input we have received in the many thoughtful submissions, which will be carefully considered as we proceed to finalise the design of the programme,” Mr Fletcher said.

The Government expects to commence a competitive selection process in the second half of 2014, with a view to announcing the locations which have been selected for funding in the first half of 2015.

The Government expects the first base stations funded under the Mobile Black Spot Programme will begin to roll out in the second half of 2015.

Submissions on the Mobile Black Spot Program are available to view at

www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme

The Government is accepting nominations of mobile black spots until the end of June 2014. Anyone wishing to report a mobile black spot can email mobilecoverage@communications.gov.au