April 6, 2023
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is urging telecommunication companies to extend mobile phone coverage and improve communication networks in regional Queensland by taking advantage of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.
“With the threat of natural disasters in Wide Bay like bushfires and floods, and our many dangerous roads, it’s important that people can get the call out for help when they need to contact emergency services,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We also need to make sure that families and businesses can connect and communicate, so it’s important for the government to keep on working with telecommunication companies to extend and improve the mobile phone and broadband networks throughout Wide Bay.”
The new Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spots Grants program supports network operators to extend communications coverage to rural and regional locations with low or no coverage.
Licensed telecommunications carriers, or a consortium made up of a carrier, State or local governments, regional development bodies, or industry, business, or community groups can apply for funding to deliver new place-based or improved broadband and mobile services in regional areas.
A project noticeboard has been established to assist communities to form partnerships with the telecommunications sector to develop applications for funding.
Potential applicants have been encouraged to contact their local council and their telecommunications carrier to identify coverage and connectivity issues.
Project proposals can be uploaded to the noticeboard by May 31. More information is available online
