THE HON MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY
THE HON EMMA MCBRIDE MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DOBELL
ALBANESE GOVERNMENT OPENS FUNDING APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS LOCAL MOBILE BLACK SPOTS
The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to improve mobile coverage in suburbs like Matcham-Holgate and Wyoming by opening applications for grant funding from today.
The $40 million Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR) delivers on election commitments to fund Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers for new mobile infrastructure at 54 target locations across Australia.
In addition to benefiting regional communities, this dedicated round is also targeting mobile coverage black spots along a number of major regional highways so motorists have access to essential mobile services in the event of an emergency.
The IMCR was funded in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget.
The Albanese Government has made significant investments to improve regional coverage through its $656 million Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan commits $400 million to expanding mobile coverage and improving communications, including investment to fund future rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, and $200 million to fund local communications solutions through additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program. Consultation is currently open on both of these Programs.
Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers will have until 5PM AEDT, 13 April 2023 to apply for IMCR grant funding.
Further information on the IMCR – including the list of targeted sites – is available on the Department’s website at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-technology-communications/phone/mobile-services-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister Michelle Rowland:
“The Albanese Government’s October Budget included one of the most significant investments in regional connectivity in a decade.
“Our Government recognises that all Australians deserves world-class mobile coverage, no matter where they live, work or travel.
“This dedicated funding provides an opportunity for Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers to help locals on the Central Coast, motorists and tourists in identified areas with unreliable service.
“The Government will continue to invest strongly in expanding mobile coverage”.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
“I’m proud to be part of ae Government that’s delivering on the promises it made to improve the mobile coverage black spots on the Central Coast.
“Reliable mobile coverage is key for regional communities like ours. It’s at the centre of our daily lives and staying in touch in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
“I look forward to seeing this program rolled out and working closely with mobile operators to get the best results for our community”.
