PASIN CALLS FOR RESIDENTS TO REPORT MOBILE BLACKSPOTS

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP is putting out the last call for residents to report mobile blackspots ahead of MP submissions to inform the next round of Federal Government funding design to address mobile black spots.

Mr Pasin says the Albanese Labor Government has no credibility when it comes to addressing mobile blackspots and after two years in Government Labor has failed to fund and construct any new mobile base stations to improve service prior to the 3G shut down. 

“I’m extremely concerned that after two years of Labor in Government, Labor has left mobile reception in Barker worse off,” Mr Pasin said.

“In many areas of Barker mobile phone service has been 3G only. Being unable to make an emergency call is a dangerous plight for anyone but particularly for people living in regional communities where often distance between neighbours is often vast,” Mr Pasin said.

While the telecommunications companies gave their commitment that 3G-only areas will have no loss of coverage as a result of the switchover, Mr Pasin said the proof has certainly been in the pudding.

“Since first calling for residents to report black spots through my website, I’ve had hundreds of people contacting me about new blackspots appearing since the 3G shut down,” Mr Pasin said.

“Locations reported to me through my website before the 9 December 2024 will be included in my submission to the Federal Government identifying potential projects or locations which would benefit from new and improved coverage.

“That’s why I’m encouraging residents to report mobile blackspots through my website if you haven’t already, so that I can fight for upgraded coverage,” Mr Pasin said. 

“Modern expectations regarding mobile telecommunications are simply not being met by the telcos or this Labor Government. A mobile phone is no longer a luxury, it’s a vital business tool and for regional residents a key piece of safety equipment,” Mr Pasin said.

In contrast, under the former Coalition Government, 30 new mobile base stations and 6 small cells were funded in Barker, helping to improve mobile coverage for thousands of regional residents.

“In 2022, Anthony Albanese promised no one would be left behind under the Albanese Labor government. Unfortunately, it seems he wasn’t talking about regional Australia,” Mr Pasin said.

Report black spots to Tony Pasin no later than COB 9 December 2024 at https://www.tonypasin.com/report_a_mobile_black_spot