August 20, 2012
Results of a community survey have been backed up by a review of regional telecommunications services which found poor mobile phone reception is the number one concern for residents in regional Australia.
The survey, which was conducted by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, found that only 31 per cent of people in Gippsland believe that mobile phone signals across the region are satisfactory.
It also found that 67 per cent of Gippslanders believe the Federal Government should pay for mobile phone blackspots to be upgraded.
Mr Chester said the issue of mobile phone reception was raised during every regional consultation and in two thirds of the submissions received by the tri-annual Regional Telecommunications Review panel.
“Dissatisfaction with mobile coverage is not limited to our region with the review committee indicating that mobile coverage is the number one concern in regional Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“The review confirms that the Gillard Government has got its priorities wrong on regional telecommunications and the Minister is completely out of touch with regional Australia.
“The government’s priority should be adopting the Coalition’s policy and implementing a program in partnership with telecommunications providers to address mobile phone blackspots.”
Earlier this year, Mr Chester asked Gippslanders to register mobile phone blackspots in the region, later raising them in Federal Parliament.
Mr Chester said the committee received evidence that there were considerable productivity gains for rural and remote businesses as a result of improved mobile coverage.
“Gippslanders are concerned that while there has been a significant improvement in coverage over the past 10 years, there are still many areas in the region where mobile phone reception is poor or non-existent,” Mr Chester said.
“One of the biggest concerns when it comes to mobile phone coverage is that the areas with the poorest reception are also among the highest risk communities for natural disaster events such as fires and floods.
“A lack of mobile phone coverage also has a direct impact on the viability of small businesses and tourism in regional communities which are critical drivers to local economies.”
Mr Chester said Gippslanders can still register mobile phone blackspots by contacting his Sale office on 1300 131 785 or emailing darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au