Residents living in Barker can now look forward to improved mobile phone coverage thanks to the Morrison Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
Minister for Regional Services Bridget McKenzie together with Tony Pasin today announced Barker will receive ten new base stations under the fourth round of the program: Murtho, Wunkar, Murtho South, Mount Mary, Ettrick, Marama, Tower Rd (Riddoch Hwy), Nildottie, Mypolonga and Compton.
Mr Pasin said the installation of towers would provide vital telecommunications infrastructure for those living and working in these regions.
“I’m thrilled that more residents and businesses in Barker can now enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved mobile connectivity brings,” Mr Pasin said.
“It will provide a safety outcome, as many of these areas involve farmers working alone with dangerous equipment.
“Equally, it will provide a productivity dividend because farmers will be able to better use data and technology applications in their practises.
“And, in some cases, it’s a significant part of the tourism offer as tourists don’t want to visit regions where they can’t remain connected,” Mr Pasin said.
Today’s announcement follows the news on Wednesday of a fifth and sixth round of funding for the highly successful program, which will deliver new base stations and better coverage to those areas that need it most.
“For those areas that missed out in round four, the good news is that we have committed to a further two rounds, with an additional investment of $160 million to address more blackspots in more regions,” Mr Pasin said.
Minister McKenzie said Round 4 of the program will deliver 180 new mobile base stations for regional and remote communities, including 29 in South Australia.
“The announcement of successful Round 4 base stations means a total of 1047 base stations are being delivered under the Mobile Black Spot Program. This reaffirms our commitment to delivering 21st century connectivity to our regions and will benefit thousands of Australians.”
“Our continued investment in mobile phone infrastructure is proof that we are focused on connecting all Australians no matter where they live,” Minister McKenzie said.
The Mobile Black Spot Program enables mobile carriers to service areas where it would otherwise not be commercially viable. So far the program is generating over $760 million of new investment including contributions from state and local governments, mobile network operators, businesses and local communities.
Base stations under the first three rounds are expected to be operational by 30 June 2019. Round 4 base stations are expected to roll out shortly with the first new base stations being activated by the second half of the year.
More information about the program is available at: communications.gov.au/mbsp
Media contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
