APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT ROUND OF MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM

The Mobile Black Spot Program which has delivered improved connectivity throughout the Riverina and Central West has opened a new round, offering $34.5 million to upgrade coverage along major regional and remote transport corridors and in disaster-prone regions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said applications were now open for Round 5A of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

“The Mobile Black Spot Program so far has delivered more than 20 phone towers in the Riverina and Central West, including at Bedgerabong, Darbys Falls, Naradhan and Wantabadgery,” Mr McCormack said.

“We have made great strides in improving regional connectivity, but the Government knows more needs to be done – that is why we continue to fund this important program.

“Our people in rural and regional Australia need, want and deserve communications which keep them safe, connected to loved ones and allows them to conduct business just the same as in metropolitan areas.”

Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton, said the continuing investment in mobile base stations was further proof of the Morrison and McCormack Government’s commitment to connecting Australians in regional areas.

“The first five rounds of the program have funded more than 1,200 new base stations in regional Australia, with more that 880 of these already switched on,” Minister Coulton said.

“Round 5A will support new ways of delivering mobile services to locations that have traditionally been less economic for mobile network operators.”

The Government will continue to work with industry and State and Local governments to improve connectivity across Australia, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

Mr McCormack is encouraging local communities and councils in the Riverina and Central West to identify their priorities for improved coverage and to work with mobile network operators and infrastructure providers in support of applications for funding in their areas.

Applications for Round 5A opened on 18 November 2020 and will close on 10 February 2021.  For more information about the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Round 5A process, visit: www.communications.gov.au/MBSP

The construction phase of Round 5A is expected to start in the first half of 2021.

Mr McCormack said outcomes from Round 5A of the Mobile Black Spot Program would help inform the design of Round 6, the funding of which was committed in the 2019-2020 Budget.

MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM ROUND 5A FAST FACTS 

  • Up to $34.5 million in funding is available for Round 5A, which is targeting black spots in areas defined as regional and remote Australia

  • Round 5A is seeking applications from Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers

  • More than $836 million in total investment has been generated to date under the first five rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, including co-investment from State Governments, Mobile Network Operators and a Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider

  • As of 3 November 2020, 883 sites have already been switched on.

Shane Manning