December 10, 2015
Federal MP Darren Chester says he will be calling for additional mobile phone blackspots to be fixed in Gippsland as part of a national fund established to improve coverage in regional areas.
Mr Chester said Gippsland had 10 new mobile phone base stations funded under Round One of the programme and there was a strong case to argue for further funding under Round Two.
“I’m committed to fixing mobile phone coverage black spots in Gippsland, to improve community safety and business productivity,” Mr Chester said.
“The last round of funding helped us secure new base stations for major transport routes like Hyland Way, South Gippsland Highway and Traralgon-Maffra Rd.
“I would like to see more of our peak holiday destinations receive mobile phone coverage upgrades to meet the expectations of the travelling public and local residents.”
Under Round One of the program, 96 of the 274 nominated black spots in Gippsland were fixed by handheld or external antenna coverage.
The funding package was worth $7.67 million, including $2.61 million from the Federal Government. The fund leverages additional funding from state governments and telecommunications providers.
A map of mobile black spot locations and the locations which will receive new or upgraded coverage under the Programme is available on the National Map: http://nationalmap.gov.au/
For more information visit: https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme
CAPTION: Federal Gippsland MP Darren Chester says more works still needs to be done to fix mobile phone black spots across the region.
