Improving telecommunications infrastructure across Barker is one of the highest priorities for me.



Media Releases

Telecommunications Boost for Barker (9 May 2022)

Mobile coverage boosted in Mypolonga (28 March 2022)

Mobile coverage boosted in the Limestone Coast (28 March 2022)

Barker gets major funding boost for NBN fixed wireless services (22 March 2022)

MPs join forces to call for major telco reform (1 October 2021)

Mobile Black Spot Disappointment (26 July 2021)

Mobile coverage boosted in the Limestone Coast (14 December 2020)

Extending battery back up for regional and remote photo towers in Barker (7 December 2020)

Next round of Mobile Black Spot Program now open (20 November 2020)

Mobile Blackspot Program – Suggested amendments for Round 5A (7 October 2020)

Mobile Black Spot Program delivers for Murtho and Wunkar (19 January 2020)

Round 5 of the Mobile Black Spot Program is now open (17April 2019)

More funding to fix mobile phone black spots across Australia (4 April 2019)

Improved mobile coverage for Barker (22 March 2019)

Optus switches on mobile black spot site in Wynarka SA (4 March 2019)

Round 4 of the Mobile Black Spot Program opens (16 October 2019)

Round 5 of the Mobile Black Spot Program is now open (17 April 2019)

Nominate a mobile phone black spot today (14 September 2018)

Improved mobile coverage for Kalangadoo and Kybybolite (5 April 2018)

Mobile Black spot program (23 January 2018)

Tenders open to fix mobile black spots in Kalangadoo and Kybybolite (22 November 2017)

Mobile Blackspots in South Australia- Opinion (24 November 2016)



Mobile Phone Coverage Tip Sheet

There are a number of local factors that can interfere with mobile reception and therefore impact a user’s ability to obtain or maintain a mobile phone signal at any given time or place. These factors include mountainous or hilly terrain, buildings (including their internal structure) or other physical obstacles interrupting the line‑of‑sight from the mobile base station.

The particular handset used can also affect mobile reception. Each of the mobile phone providers are able to provide advice on the best handsets for local conditions. For example, Telstra uses a ‘blue tick’ label on the phones it recommends for use in poor coverage areas. Optus has also recently announced their ‘Top Picks for Regional Coverage’ device rating program, enabling consumers to choose mobile phones that will work best on the Optus regional network.

New products to improve mobile reception are regularly released. For example, Telstra has released a ‘Smart Antenna’ to improve indoor reception on its network, and Optus has released an app which allows its customers to receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection. Another effective way to improve reception is to use an external antenna or in-car kit. The most appropriate antenna may depend upon the network, and prices can vary. These accessories can be readily obtained from mobile phone shops and dealers.