Regional mobile phone coverage program discontinued
The federal Mobile Black Spot Program and other connectivity programs may be terminated after 2026-27, and MP Tony Pasin isn’t happy about it.
People living in mobile black spots may be left without coverage if their region isn’t assisted before 2026-27.
The Mobile Black Spot Program will no longer be provided with funding from the federal government.
The project will be bought to a conclusion after 2026-27 according to the recent federal budget.
Over seven rounds of funding the Black Spot Program has resulted in multiple towers being built in the Murraylands region, including at Ettrick, Mypolonga, Nildottie and Wellington.
Federal MP Tony Pasin has urged the government to explain how it plans to update and provide long-term funding for other mobile connectivity programs.
Many regional communities relied on mobile connectivity programs in order to get accurate, fast and reliable mobile service, he said.
Improving connectivity for people in regional communities and major highways was critical.
During the Coalition’s term in office, from 2013 to 2022, the government helped fund 30 mobile base stations and six small cells in Mr Pasin’s electorate of Barker.
Mr Pasin has expressed his anger in the past when the Murraylands missed out on funding twice.
Funding for other key regional and peri-urban communications infrastructure programs will also be cut after 2026-27.
These include the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia and the Peri-Urban Mobile Program.
The Better Connectivity Plan covers funding for a range of programs, including on-farm connectivity and a Regional Tech Hub.
Regional connectivity survey launched
Meanwhile, the release of the first ever Regional Telecommunications Review survey will provide rural, remote and regional Australians a way to give feedback.
The online survey will allow feedback on experience in communities with telecommunications issues.
In the past a range of matters have been bought up including suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how the emerging technologies could improve connectivity; and ways telecommunications can support regional development.
Previous reviews led to the emergence of the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The online survey will close on July 31.
- Complete the survey: survey123.arcgis.com.
- More information: www.infrastructure.gov.au.
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