November 23, 2017
The Federal Government has begun the tender process for Round 3 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, which aims to improve mobile coverage at 106 locations around Australia.
The government has committed $60 million to improve priority black spot locations. This is on top of the $160 million already committed under the first two rounds of the program.
Telecommunications providers have been invited bid to deliver coverage to priority locations by nominating the amount of Commonwealth funding sought, their own proposed co-contribution, funding from State and Local governments and other sources.
Bids will be assessed by the Department of Communications on a value-for-money basis.
More than 312 new or improved mobile base stations have already been delivered under the first two rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, including several within the South Burnett.
Telstra, Vodafone and Optus are on track to deliver 765 base stations across Australia funded under the first two rounds by the end of 2018.
Successful bidders for the extra 106 priority locations will also be expected to complete the rollout by the end of 2018.
