The Department of Communications and the Arts’ Mobile Black Spot Program has resulted in the construction of 700 new or improved transmitter base stations to come online.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the program’s milestone was an impressive achievement with the new coverage not only helping people to connect, but also significantly boosting the regional economy.
Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, Mark Coulton said Telstra had activated its 600th base station under the program, with the remainder delivered by Optus and Vodafone.
“The Mobile Black Spot Program is a terrific example of what can be achieved when the Federal Government, mobile industry, State and Local Governments, local businesses and communities work together,” Mr Coulton said.
“The program helps people to stay connected with family and friends, undertake business, access education services and improve safety.”
He said more than 20,000 Triple Zero emergency calls had been made possible through the towers being online, and local community groups could engage directly with mobile networks to make them aware of the coverage issues in their area.
“Under the first four rounds of the program, the Government’s commitment has generated investment of more than $760 million, with an additional $160 million in new funding for rounds five and six of the program announced earlier this year,” Mr Coulton said.
