Hinkler residents invited to comment on ways to improve mobile black spots

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is inviting local residents to comment on a discussion paper on how to structure the Coalition’s $100 million programme to improve mobile telephone coverage in regional Australia.

“The Coalition Government is keen to hear from residents, community leaders and from other levels of government in regional and remote communities around Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

“Inadequate mobile phone coverage is a significant concern for regional communities. Lives can literally depend on accessing mobile phone networks in emergencies, so expanding mobile phone coverage has clear benefits to public safety – as well as to the productive and economic capacity of regional communities.”

The funding has two elements.  The $80 million Mobile Network Expansion Project will improve mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters.

The $20 million Mobile Black Spot Project will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services.

The discussion paper is available from the Department of Communications’ website at:
http://www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme