January 9, 2014
Gippslanders are being asked to provide feedback on the Federal Government’s $100 million regional mobile coverage program.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the government has issued a discussion paper on how to structure the program which is aimed at improving mobile coverage in regional areas.
Mr Chester initiated a register last year for Gippsland residents to report mobile phone black spots.
He has encouraged those affected by inadequate mobile coverage to consider making a submission.
“There have been improvements in mobile phone coverage in recent years as technology has become more advanced but residents from at least 30 communities in Gippsland have indicated to my office that they do not currently have access to adequate coverage,” Mr Chester said.
“At the September election we made a commitment to invest $100 million to improve mobile phone coverage in regional communities around Australia.
“The discussion paper is an opportunity for residents and community leaders from areas in Gippsland which experience poor coverage to have their say on the structure of the program.”
Mr Chester said funding for the program consisted of two streams.
* $80 million will go towards a Mobile Network Expansion Project which will improve mobile phone coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters; and * $20 million will support the Mobile Blackspot Project which will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services
Mr Chester said Gippslanders can obtain a copy of the discussion paper online at www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme
The closing date for submissions is 5pm, February 28, 2014.