The Morrison Government has today announced $78.5 million will be provided for projects that address mobile phone and connectivity issues in outer urban and urban fringe areas, under the Connecting Regional Australia initiative.
Eligibility for this future funding will be expanded beyond our major capital cities, which were the focus of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP), to include the urban fringe of other major urban areas including Geelong, Wollongong, Gosford, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin and Canberra.
The investments complement the Coalition’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program, which is improving mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote Australia by building more than 1,200 mobile base stations in regional and remote areas, with over 1,000 already built.
The Minister for Communications, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the Morrison Government is committed to improving mobile connectivity for people living in outer urban areas as part of its plan for a strong economy and a stronger future for Australia.
“Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touch with loved ones,” Minister Fletcher said.
Senator Sarah Henderson said, “Today I am delighted to announce we are extending eligibility for funding to address outer urban mobile black spots to the greater Geelong region.”
Liberal Candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said, “An important part of my local plan for Corangamite is ensuring local residents get the services and support they need wherever they live.”
“After campaigning so hard for better mobile communications across Corangamite, the extension of the PUMP program to fast growing regions such as Geelong is a major win and a big step in the right direction.”
“This will drive additional investment and better connectivity into places like Armstrong Creek and the Bellarine which are impacted, in some areas, by poor mobile connectivity.”
21 April 2022