Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to allocate more funding towards eliminating mobile phone blackspots.

Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie yesterday announced $25 million for
a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering better coverage to regional and remote communities.

Ms Ley said the new round demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to ensuring regional Australia has improving access to 21st century communications.

“I encourage local residents, businesses and community organisations to engage with their state and local council through the consultation process, to enhance coverage outcomes in Farrer.”

“This is very much a shared issue across all levels of government, with NSW recently announcing $50m from its Connecting Country Communities Fund to invest in communications infrastructure. It is certainly my hope we can combine some of that funding to cover some of the numerous coverage gaps remaining in Farrer.

Senator McKenzie said the latest funding 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.

“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 for round four of the program is expected to commence through the second half of 2018. More details are at www.communications.gov.au/mbsp