PHONE calls, messaging, and the daily browsing of social media will become easier for residents across the region with two towns being selected as part of a government program.
After struggling with mobile phone coverage for some time now, residents of Kalangadoo and Kybybolite can expect better conditions in the near future after being identified as priority locations in the Federal Government’s $220m Mobile Black Spot Program.
The two communities are among 106 priority locations across Australia announced last week and will receive improved coverage with Telstra.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the new coverage would open doors for local businesses and the community, enabling them to access the same mobile services as those in major cities.
“The Mobile Black Spot program is already delivering new or improved coverage to seven sites across Barker through the first two rounds of the program, which will see local businesses and residents in the area benefit from access to 21st century communications,” he said.
“I understand the communities in Kalangadoo and Kybybolite are frustrated with the time this is taking – it was certainly not anticipated to take this long, but I can assure them these towers will be built, with construction to begin soon and expected to be complete by the end of this year.
“The ‘priority round’ is different to the other rounds of the blackspot program because it identifies locations that would have not attracted private investment from telecommunications companies on their own.”
The program is improving mobile coverage across Australia including along major regional transport routes, in small communities and at identified priority locations.
Telstra’s area general manager for South Australia Mark Bolton said Telstra will construct an additional 6 mobile base station sites across the state – including Kybybolite and Kalangadoo.
“We know the important role mobile technology plays in helping people stay in contact with friends and family and run businesses effectively,” Mr Bolton said.
“Nationally this program has already helped Telstra expand regional mobile coverage by 160,000 square kilometres – we look forward to providing improved coverage to these locations in the near future.”
The rollout sequence will be determined based on various factors, including obtaining local government planning approval, landowner agreement where necessary and access to existing infrastructure, power and backhaul.
The base station rollout schedules for all three rounds of the program will be available on the Telstra website and will be regularly updated as the rollout progresses.
Visit www.communications.gov.au/mbsp for more information about the program and for a full list of priority locations.
