June 13, 2020
A new Telstra base station has been switched on near Kilkivan, improving local mobile phone coverage and safety for motorists on the Wide Bay Highway.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the new base station would boost 3G and 4G connections over 35sq km.
It was jointly funded by the Federal Government and Telstra under the Priority Locations Round (Round 3) of the Mobile Black Spot Program.
“As a former road crash investigator, I know that mobile phone coverage can save lives in times of emergency, and this improved coverage at Kilkivan means locals and people travelling on the Wide Bay Highway will be safer as a result,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The new tower delivers on my election commitment and will provide improved mobile phone reception to help local people stay connected to loved ones, and improve opportunities for local businesses.”
Mr O’Brien said the Federal Government had committed $3.4 million under the Mobile Black Spot Program so far in the Wide Bay electorate.
“This is the 13th base station to be completed, with others now active and on air at Glastonbury, Kin Kin, Maryborough-Biggenden Road, Widgee, Wooloolga, Maaroom, Pomona-Kin Kin Road, Tansey, Wide Bay Highway at Cinnabar, Windera, Yerra and Poona,” Mr O’Brien said.
