Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP has welcomed the announcement that
Mobile Network Operators can now nominate locations to build new or upgraded mobile base stations.
Mr Wilson said 4,400 new locations were nominated across Australia under round two
of the programme. He said he was hopeful the Minister for Communications, Mitch Fifield
would find the much needed funding under the programme for regional Western Australia, particularly in the O’Connor electorate.
“Being from Katanning, I understand how important mobile phone coverage is to
Australians who live in country areas,” Mr Wilson said.
“The O’Connor electorate received a $53.84 million funding package in round
one, including $14.15 million from the Federal Government for 60 new towers."
“However, I realise there is more to be done and that is why I will be pushing for more
funding under round two of the programme.”
The mobile blackspot locations nominated by the public in round two have been added to
the mobile black spot database, which includes more than 10,600 locations in Australia.
A competitive selection process for Mobile Network Operators to nominate preferred
locations for new or upgraded mobile phone towers is now open.
The operators will be required to nominate the amount of Commonwealth funding sought,
their own proposed co-contribution, funding provided from state and local governments
and other sources and data on the coverage benefits the proposed base station will provide.
The Government will then select the successful locations in accordance with the ranking
process set out in the programme guidelines, available for download at www.communications.gov.au/mobile_coverage
.
Media contact
Monica O’Shea | 08 9842 2777 | monica.o’shea@aph.gov.au