Residents, visitors and businesses across the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia Shire and the City of Casey are being asked to highlight areas of poor mobile coverage ahead of the Federal Government’s fourth round of Mobile Blackspot Program.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, has welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to address more mobile service blackspots around Australia.
The Coalition is committing $25 million for a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering more coverage to regional and remote communities.
Minister Hunt said the new round demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring regional Australians have access to 21st century communications.
“This announcement is great news for those living, working and travelling throughout the electorate,” Minister Hunt said.
“In Flinders, we have already received two towers as part of the Mobile Blackspot Program and I will continue to advocate for better mobile coverage across the electorate.
“The Coalition’s Mobile Black Spot Program is ensuring more regional communities have access to reliable mobile coverage. This new round will enable more of our communities to take advantage of the social and economic benefits that 21st century communications can provide.”
“I encourage local residents, businesses and community organisations to engage with the Victorian Government and local councils through the consultation process, to enhance coverage across the electorate.”
Minister McKenzie said the new Mobile Black Spot Program round will ensure regional Australians aren’t left behind.
“The new round will call for applications from mobile carriers within the coming months, taking input from state, territory and local governments, as well as businesses, community organisations and emergency services,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The Mobile Black Spot Program is already over halfway complete and is on track to deliver 867 base stations nationwide by June 2019.”
The competitive selection process for round four of the program is expected to commence in the second half of 2018.
More information about the program is available at: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp