MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin has vowed to advocate for improved mobile phone coverage after the 2018 budget delivered no funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program beyond the next financial year.
The government’s $220m program, which is supported by co-contributions from local and state government’s and private mobile operators is likely to end after the last of the 867 mobile base stations have been delivered.
Mr Pasin, who has been an outspoken supporter for a continuation of the federal program past the first three rounds, said a review into regional telecommunications would shape the government’s direction into the future.
As part of the review, the six-person committee will analyse the coverage outcomes achieved through the black spot program and examine the extent of the existing gaps in mobile coverage in regional Australia.
Mr Pasin said the outcome of the review would set a strategic direction on what regional communications look like in the future.
“It will provide direction on where we need to focus our efforts to ensure contemporary communications in regional and rural Australia,” he said.
“Regardless of the review, I will be pushing for continued government investment to improve mobile phone coverage in Barker. ”
In the first three rounds of the program, a number of new or upgraded towers are being rolled out across Barker, including in Kalangadoo, Kybybolite and Mundulla West.
The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is convened every three years to examine country communications services.
Mr Pasin said the review had been brought forward and will be handed down before the end of the year.
