Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he was very pleased to attend the launch of the Robertstown mobile phone tower on Thursday November 22.
“This mobile phone tower was announce under Round 3 of the Mobile Black Spots program in 2016,” he said.
“Round 3 was an election round and I was able to prioritise towers within my electorates for funding, of which Robertstown was one.
“This round has taken longer than usual to get off the ground and this has been frustrating, an ACCC inquiry into mobile roaming held up the process for some time, but it is great to see the tower launched now and the people in Robertstown with access to mobile phone service.
“I congratulate Telstra for getting on board with the Robertstown tower and a number of the mobile black spots towers in Grey which Telstra has committed to jointly funding with the Federal Government and its continued investment in the regions.”
Mr Ramsey said he has continued to advocate for continued funding for Mobile Black Spots.
“I am very aware of the impact of not having mobile reception in regional communities,” he said.
“Mobile technology plays an important role in helping people stay in contact with friends and family, and run businesses effectively.
“It is also a serious health and safety issue in the case of accident or fire.”
Mr Ramsey said the new coverage would open up opportunities for local businesses and the community, enabling them to access the same mobile services as those in major cities.
“We have committed $220 million to improve mobile black spots across the country with $60 million of this funding targeting priority black spot areas with poor or no mobile coverage, like Robertstown.”
The Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program is improving mobile coverage across Australia including along major regional transport routes, in small communities and at identified priority locations.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
November 19 2018