Mobile coverage in Ashbourne and Stokes Bay will be substantially improved following the completion of a local Telstra base station funded by the Australian Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
Senator Anne Ruston said the new coverage would open doors for local businesses and the community, enabling them to access the same mobile services as those in major cities.
“Regional communities should have the same services that are provided in Adelaide,” Senator Ruston said.
“The base station in Ashbourne will provide improved coverage particularly along Bull Creek Road.
"The base station in Stokes Bay will provide improved coverage along the Playford Highway between Parndana and Gosse.
“The Coalition’s Mobile Black Spot program is already delivering new or improved coverage to sites across Mayo which will see local businesses and residents in the area benefit from access to 21st century communications.”
Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie said construction of new mobile phone towers would get underway soon.
“The Coalition Government has committed $220 million to improve mobile black spots across our vast country. $60 million of this funding is targetting priority black spot areas with poor or no mobile coverage, like in Ashbourne,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Only the Coalition understands the importance of modern telecommunications for our regional communities, and has implemented a plan to deliver.”
The Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program is improving mobile coverage across Australia including along major regional transport routes, in small communities and at identified priority locations. More than 456 locations across Australia have already received new or improved coverage through rounds 1 and 2 of the program.
More information about the program and a list of the priority locations is available at: communications.gov.au/mbsp
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