Residents across the Hastings and Camden Haven region are encouraged to have their say on the design of the next round of the government's Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) to ensure it continues to improve coverage for regional communities.
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The Federal government has released a discussion paper on design options for Round 5A, to test a range of new approaches for the delivery of the Mobile Black Spot Program to ensure it continues to be fit-for-purpose.
Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie said the first five rounds of the MBSP have generated more than $830 million total investment, funding 1,229 new towers across the country.
Funding has been secured for new towers to improve mobile coverage in communities including North Haven, Dunbogan, Mt Seaview, Byabarra and the Comboyne plateau.
"The government understands the importance of connectivity to regional communities, so we're getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver more coverage," Dr Gillespie said.
"The discussion paper is a great opportunity for regional Australians to have their say on how the program can best deliver the mobile coverage they need into the future.
"I am committed to delivering improved coverage for towns and villages across the Hastings and Camden Haven, with $46 million on the table for Round 5A and a further $80 million committed for Round 6, the MBSP has plenty more to do."
The discussion paper proposes a series of changes to the eligibility guidelines for the program so that it continues to deliver high-value outcomes to regional and remote Australia.
The paper proposes three main objectives for round 5A; to:
- Improve coverage in areas prone to natural disasters including bushfires;
- Improve coverage along major regional and remote transport corridors; and to
- Trial new technology solutions in areas where low population densities have discouraged applications in previous rounds.
To have your say, visit: https://bit.ly/2yUkJk4
The discussion paper is open for submissions until 19 June 2020.
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