Locals
and visitors to the Goldfields-Esperance region in Western Australia are
benefiting from improved mobile coverage, thanks to the Albanese Government's
Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).
The
new macro cell base station provides new and improved 4G mobile coverage to the
area of North Cascade, north-west of Esperance, which previously experienced
limited Telstra coverage.
In
addition to improved mobile and data connectivity, the project enhances public
safety communications during emergencies and natural disasters.
The
mobile base station was funded by the Australian Government, Telstra and a
$235,000 contribution from the Western Australian Government under Round 5A of
the MBSP.
The
new base station is one of more than 1,500 delivered under the MBSP, which has
generated a combined investment of more than $1 billion.
In
addition to Commonwealth funding, this figure includes co-contributions from state,
territory and local governments, mobile industry providers and third parties.
New
rounds of the MBSP are being delivered as part of the Government's $1.1 billion
Better Connectivity Plan for Regional
and Rural Australia.
The
plan includes funding to boost mobile coverage and resilience, and conduct an
independent audit to better identify mobile blackspots and target investment.
For more
information on the Better Connectivity Plan, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bcp.
For information on the
Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp.
Quotes attributable to Minister
for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Reliable mobile coverage is absolutely essential. The
Albanese Government is delivering improved connectivity for Australians living,
working and travelling in communities like North Cascade.
"This new mobile base station - one of more than 1,150 projects
delivered through the Mobile Black Spot Program to date - is supporting enhanced
connectivity and community safety."
Quotes attributable to Western Australia Minister for Regional
Development, the Hon Don Punch MLA:
"This new infrastructure will deliver better mobile
connectivity for residents, local businesses and visitors to the Esperance
region of WA.
"The Mobile Black Spot Program is a great example of
Commonwealth-State collaboration to improve digital connectivity, and boost
business capacity in regional and remote communities.
"Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has committed $154
million to complement Commonwealth and industry investments in our State's
telecommunications infrastructure and will continue to work with the
Commonwealth to bridge the 'digital divide' in regional WA."
Quotes attributable to Senator Varun Ghosh, Senator for Western Australia:
"The new macro cell base station will provide improved 4G mobile coverage to the area of North Cascade, which is vital for local residents and businesses and will enhance public safety communications during emergencies.
"The new macro cell base station for North Cascade is part of the Albanese Government's Mobile Black Spot Program and is an important investment to improve digital connectivity in the Esperance region."
