The Federal Government has opened a project noticeboard that will help communities to give input into the potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding.
The government’s MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
Round eight of the MBSP – which will open for applications from industry in late 2024 – will provide $55 million in government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional and rural Australia to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
The online project noticeboard allows local councillors and state, territory and federal parliamentarians to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications.
The noticeboard will close three weeks after the MBSP round eight opens for applications.
Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget as part of the government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
Under the MBSP to date (rounds one to seven), federal funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said that reliable, resilient mobile coverage is essential.
“The Federal Government is working with industry and communities around Australia to deliver new and improved mobile coverage,” Minister Rowland said.
“Round eight of the Mobile Blackspot Funding Program will focus on regional and rural locations that are prone to natural disasters to better protect communities during their greatest time of need.
“I welcome input from local communities through the online project noticeboard on how to best target the up-coming funding round which will open later this year.
“I encourage people to speak with their local councillors or state, territory and federal parliamentarians to make their voice heard.”
Visit the Department of Infrastructure website to view the project noticeboard and make a submission, or to find out more information about the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia and the Mobile Black Spot Program.
