Member for Barker is welcomed the opening of round four of the Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).
Greater access to mobile services in regional Australia improve the ability to keep in contact with family and friends; allow better access by farmers to online services and help local businesses grow by making these areas more attractive to tourists.
The MBSP encourages the mobile industry and state and local governments to work together to address mobile black spots across regional and remote Australia.
Mr Pasin said today that improved mobile coverage improves connectivity in regional areas and supports small businesses, helping our major industries in Barker based in the regions be connected to markets in real time.
“Round 4 will also look to target medical, educational and emergency services facilities, as well as along key transport routes and in towns that experience seasonal demand due to tourism.”
“More mobile base stations in the regions also benefit local small businesses by making these areas more attractive to tourists and allow access to information while on the road.”
Round four of the program is backed up by a $25 million investment and there are already 867 base stations being delivered across regional Australia thanks to previous rounds of this program.
“We can no longer accept that those living and visiting the regions shouldn’t have access to reliable mobile services,” Tony Pasin said.
“Our Government is committed to growing the economic strength of our regions, creating local jobs and building stronger communities.”
“Within Government I’m pushing for the Mobile Blackspot Program to become a rolling program, meaning the program would continue past Round 4, to ensure there is adequate coverage in our regions,” Mr Pasin said.
For more information visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp
Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
