Eyre Peninsula will benefit from improved mobile coverage and more reliable communications under Round 4 of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Federal Minister for Regional Services Senator Bridget McKenzie has announced the locations of 29 new base stations in South Australia, including Eyre Peninsula’s Baird Bay, Borthwick Hill and Buckleboo.

“Greater availability of mobile services means staying safe in remote areas, keeping in contact with family and friends, accessing online health and education services as well as increased tourism and business opportunities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“South Australia is a large state which needs reliable communications networks to thrive.  These new mobile base stations will help regional South Australians connect with the world.”

In August 2018 RDAWEP gathered information from Eyre Peninsula residents to map the regions black spots, which was then submitted to the Government.  A map was created to pinpoint the spots that residents identified as having little to no mobile phone signal.

South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the state’s economic growth will be driven by effective mobile communications.

“Our regional areas are a major driver of our state’s economy and are an integral part of the state’s identity.

“South Australia’s regions contribute around $25 billion a year to the state’s economy, and connectivity is essential to driving our regions’ and our state’s growth and success,” Minister Whetstone said.

Under Round 4 of the program, $19.4 million will be invested in mobile infrastructure in South Australia.  This includes $5.5 million funding from the Commonwealth and $5.3 million from the South Australian Government.

Base stations under the first three rounds are scheduled to be operational by 30 June 2019.  Round 4 base stations are expected to roll out shortly with the first new base stations being activated by the second half of the year.

RDAWEP will continue to lobby the government and service providers to address ongoing telecommunications issues across the region.

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