Have your say: Changes to the Mobile Black Spot Program coming

May 18, 2020

To ensure that the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) continues to improve coverage across the Bush, Maranoa MP David Littleproud is urging you to have your say on the design of the Program’s next funding round.

“Since being elected I’ve secured funding for 50 mobile towers in Maranoa and now is the time to make sure that we can continue to build on digital connectivity,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’ve released a discussion paper on design options for Round 5A of the MBSP to ensure that it remains fit-for-purpose.

“When outcomes of Round 5 of the MBSP were announced, the Government released a discussion paper on design options for Round 5A, to test a range of new approaches for the delivery of the Program to ensure it continues to be fit-for-purpose.

“With $46 million on the table for Round 5A and a further $80 million committed for Round 6, the MBSP has plenty more to do.

“In order to deliver this, it is vital we receive feedback on proposed changes from rural and regional communities.”

Minister for Regional Communications, Mark Coulton, said the program has already delivered a great deal for regional communities.

“The first five rounds of the MBSP have generated more than $830 million total investment, funding 1,229 new towers, with more than 800 of those already delivering improved coverage.

“The Coalition Government understands the importance of connectivity to regional communities, so we’re getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver more coverage”.

The discussion paper proposes a series of changes to the eligibility guidelines for the program so that it continues to deliver high-value outcomes to regional and remote Australia.

The paper proposes three main objectives for round 5A; to:

– Improve coverage in areas prone to natural disasters including bushfires;
– Improve coverage along major regional and remote transport corridors; and to
– Trial new technology solutions in areas where low population densities have discouraged applications in previous rounds.
To have your say, visit: https://bit.ly/2yUkJk4

The discussion paper is open for submissions until 19 June 2020.

ENDS