Rural and Regional Australians will now be able to access up-to-date information on the rollout of round 1 of the Coalition Government’s $160 million Mobile Black Spot Programme.
A new website, launched by Telstra, provides detail on the construction status and timing of the 429 new or upgraded mobile base stations being constructed by Telstra under the programme.
The website provides an indicative activation schedule for individual base stations, presented on a national map. The website includes a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section, providing members of the public with useful information on how Telstra is conducting the rollout.
Users can find a range of data on a specific construction site, or search for base stations which have been funded under the programme in their local area. Data on construction and activation progress will be regularly updated.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said that the new website would allow people right across Australia to check on the rollout of the Mobile Back Spot Programme.
“This new website will provide people with the information and updates they need to keep informed about this programme,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Coalition Government is determined to boost mobile phone coverage across regional and rural Australia, and the Mobile Black Spot Programme is an ongoing demonstration of that commitment.”
The launch of the new website follows the Coalition Government’s recent announcement of the first 78 mobile base stations funded under round 1 of the programme scheduled to be activated by the end of June 2016.
The Coalition Government committed $100 million to round 1 of the programme, which will deliver 499 new or upgraded mobile base stations across Australia. The Commonwealth funding commitment was supplemented by co-contributions from Telstra ($165 million) and Vodafone ($20 million), as well as substantial co-contributions from State and local governments and third parties. Overall, round 1 of the programme will see more than $385 million invested to improve mobile phone services in rural and regional Australia.
The Coalition Government has committed an additional $60 million for round 2 of the programme, and the competitive selection process for round 2 commenced on February 26. The locations of new or upgraded base stations to be funded under round 2 are expected to be announced by the end of 2016.
Telstra’s new mobile black spot website is available at www.telstra.com/blackspots
For more information about the Mobile Black Spot Programme visit www.communications.gov.au/mobile_coverage