Tower plan targets country mobile black spots

• Regional Telecommunications Project improving mobile phone coverage
• 128 new or upgraded base stations scheduled for Western Australia 

The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments have today released the build plan for 128 new or upgraded mobile base stations to be constructed by Telstra.  The build comes under Round 1 of the $385 million Mobile Black Spot Programme, as part of an $85 million investment through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

The program is part of the WA Government's ongoing commitment to improving connectivity for regional communities and advance safety and emergency service communications.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the State Government's significant investment of more than $85 million since 2012 in regional telecommunications was driving the construction of 266 new mobile phone towers in regional WA.

"It is imperative that mobile voice and data services are expanded in the regions to support the growth and prosperity of regional businesses and communities, and improve government service delivery," Mr Mischin said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Mobile Black Spot Programme would contribute towards the sustainability of regional WA.

"This fantastic collaboration will support more options for business and innovation, bringing considerable opportunities to regional communities," Mr Redman said.

"Royalties for Regions is playing a significant role in transforming regional WA and I look forward to seeing the digital divide in our regions being further reduced."

The planned rollout of 266 new phone towers across regional WA is the result of a partnership between the State Government, the Commonwealth and industry.

Fact File

• The 128 towers are part of the State Government's commitment to deliver 266 new phone towers and is expected to be completed by December 30, 2018
• For more information including the build plan, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/regionalmobilecommunications  

Commerce Minister's office - 6552 5600
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700