Regional connectivity in remote tourism destinations throughout the State will be boosted by a McGowan Government investment to upgrade telecommunications services at nine locations across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance and Mid-West.
The McGowan Government has injected $718,125 from its Regional Telecommunications Project, together with Optus, into an initiative to upgrade existing sites from 3G to a high-grade 4G service.
Three sites in the Purnululu National Park will be upgraded, along with sites at Ellenbrae, El Questro and Emma Gorge stations in the Kimberley, Millstream National Park in the Pilbara, Ilkurlka Roadhouse in the Goldfields and Mount Augustus Tourist Park in the Mid-West.
The upgrade will increase the service area coverage, as well as provide better quality, faster, more reliable mobile services to tourists, local businesses, residents and remote communities.
The WA Government originally supported an application with Optus, as part of a proposal for funding under the Commonwealth Regional Connectivity Program which was unsuccessful.
The McGowan Government is pleased to work with Optus, which has committed to provide 75 per cent of the funding for the project.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Tourists, now more than ever before, are taking the opportunity to wander out yonder and experience the beauty of our State's more remote locations and it is important they are able to stay connected wherever they are.
"The 4G service is a boost to local tourism operators, pastoral businesses and communities, providing more efficient, scalable and affordable broadband services that are essential for modern enterprises to operate in an increasingly global environment.
"This terrific initiative overcomes geographical distance to enable Aboriginal communities to participate in the digital economy and encourage development opportunities - vital in supporting the resilience and sustainability of our regions."
