North east Victorians are being encouraged to provide feedback on the Coalition Government’s $100 million regional mobile coverage program.
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the government had released a discussion paper on how to structure the program, which is aimed at improving mobile coverage in regional areas.
Senator McKenzie encouraged those affected by inadequate mobile coverage to consider making a submission.
“There have been improvements in mobile phone coverage in recent years as technology has become more advanced but many residents have indicated that they do not currently have access to adequate coverage,” Senator McKenzie said.
“At the September election we made a commitment to invest $100 million to improve mobile phone coverage in regional communities around Australia.
“The discussion paper is an opportunity for residents and community leaders from areas in north eastern Victoria which experience poor coverage to have their say on the structure of the program.”
Senator McKenzie said funding for the program consisted of two streams.
$80 million will go towards a Mobile Network Expansion Project which will improve mobile phone coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters; and
$20 million will support the Mobile Blackspot Project which will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services.
Senator McKenzie said a copy of the discussion paper and advice about making a submission could be obtained online at
www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme
The closing date for submissions is February 28, 2014 at 5pm.