Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent has welcomed the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to expanding local mobile coverage, with Round 5A of the $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program now open for applications.
“This new round of the Mobile Black Spot Program will have a specific focus on improving mobile coverage along major transport corridors and in disaster-prone regions.
“I am encouraging local communities and councils in the Monash electorate to identify their priorities for improved coverage, and to work with the mobile network operators and infrastructure providers in support of applications for funding for those areas.
“This continued investment in mobile base stations is in addition to previous local investment in new towers at Kongwak, Dumbalk, Berrys Creek, Sandy Point and Aberfeldy,” Mr Broadbent said.
Round 5A will support new ways of delivering mobile services to locations that have traditionally been less economic for mobile network operators with the Commonwealth Government continuing to work with industry and state and local governments to improve connectivity across Australia, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
“Improving coverage in natural disaster-prone areas is critical for keeping people connected during times of emergency, whether it’s to loved ones, or emergency services.
“Round 5A will bring further improvements in mobile coverage – building on the progress made since this program began in 2013,” Mr Broadbent said.
Applications for Round 5A opened on 18 November 2020 and will close on 10 February 2020. For more information about the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Round 5A process, visit: communications.gov.au/MBSP
