The Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment with $9.8 million in funding to deliver better mobile connectivity on the west and far north west coast of Tasmania.
The Government will partner with mobile network operators to co-invest and deliver projects in the local government areas of Circular Head, Waratah-Wynyard and West Coast.
Options could include the construction of new mobile base stations, as well as capacity upgrades to existing base stations and backhaul networks.
The funding will be delivered through the West Coast Tasmania Mobile Capacity Uplift Round of the Government's Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), with applications open today for mobile network operators.
Stronger and more reliable mobile connectivity will keep people safer and more connected - ensuring better access to emergency services, along with supporting local tourism and small businesses.
This targeted round of the MBSP responds to community concerns about capacity and congestion on existing mobile networks.
The MBSP is one of the largest ever mobile coverage expansions in regional and remote Australia, with funding awarded for more than 1,400 new mobile base stations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications Anika Wells:
"No Australian should be left behind when it comes to connectivity and the Albanese Government is backing communities on Tasmania's west and far north west coast.
"We've listened directly to the local communities and we're delivering close to $10 million to deliver the mobile infrastructure and upgrades they need.
"This investment means better access to vital services for the community, and will boost productivity for local small businesses, and support tourism in this beautiful part of Australia."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart:
"For too long regional communities, like those across the west and far north west coast have been paying for telecommunications services that have not been delivered. Telcos are on notice that this is unacceptable.
"I have worked hard to make sure our regional and remote communities are not left behind.
"The Federal Government has put substantial funding on the table and it's now up to telecommunications companies to step up and match this investment to deliver reliable ongoing services to these communities."
