Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to address more mobile service blackspots across the region.
“I am delighted to announce the Coalition is committing $25 million for a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering more coverage to regional and remote communities and bringing the total program to $245m,” he said.
“Our new State Government has already committed $10m toward mobile black spots and this will provide the opportunity for them to bid into the program which will maximise our combined effort whereas previously, it was close to impossible to get the Labor regime to even engage on the issue.
“This new round demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to ensuring regional Australians have access to 21st century communications and is great news for those living, working and travelling throughout Grey.
“The Government has established the Regional Independent Review Committee (RIRC) to map the deficient spots and recommend investments for future improvement of telecommunications.
“I encourage local residents, businesses and community organisations to engage with their state and local governments through the consultation process. Submissions to the inquiry can be easily made to: RTIRC.gov.au.”
Mr Ramsey said the new round of mobile black spots funding 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.
“The Mobile Black Spot Program is already over halfway complete and on track to deliver 867 base stations nationwide by June 2019,” he said.
“While the recalcitrance of the Weatherill Government has lessened the number of these projects in SA, I have been nevertheless pleased that more than half of SA’s towers have been constructed in Grey.
“I look forward to further improving mobile phone cover in Grey through this latest round of funding.”
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
12 June 2018
