Thanks to the Coalition Government’s Mobile Blackspot Programme a new Telstra mobile phone tower in Mundulla was switched on by Member for Barker, Tony Pasin and Telstra Area General Manager, Mark Bolton on Thursday.

“This is a fantastic example of the Coalition Government recognising market failure and partnering with the private sector to deliver for rural and regional residents,” Mr Pasin said.

“A new mobile base station in Mundulla will bring a much-needed boost to mobile coverage, providing benefits to emergency service operators, businesses, and residents,” said Mr Pasin.

Under the Coalition Government, $220 million of Federal Government funding has been allocated so far to improving Mobile Phone Coverage.

Incentivising private telecommunications companies to invest in rural and regional areas that may have otherwise been overlooked, has resulted in an additional 765 mobile phone towers so far, improving service to 86,000 km/sq, and covering over 32,000 premises nation-wide.

Mobile coverage across these regions will provide important connectivity for residents, and will be particularly useful for farmers who are often isolated when working.

I understand that there are still areas of my electorate of Barker that do not have sufficient coverage and this is why I am lobbying for an extension of the Mobile Blackspot Programme.

I have also been lobbying the State Government and State Liberal Opposition to contribute funding that will see the State’s funding pool increase and ultimately more towers built.

 

Contact: Courtney Stephens 8531 2466