The federal government is asking for local feedback on new guidelines that will drive investment to address poor mobile coverage in Rapid Bay.

Feedback from industry and the community will help inform the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the $40 million Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR) of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

This initiative, announced in the 2022-23 Federal Budget, will help deliver on an election commitment to improve mobile connectivity across regional Australia.

The IMCR will provide grant funding to Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers to address identified mobile coverage and quality of service issues in 54 target locations.

This dedicated round of the black spot program is also targeting mobile coverage issues along a number of regional roads and highways to ensure travellers have access to essential mobile services in the event of an emergency.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland says the government aims to improve the digital quality-of-life and bridge the digital divide for Australians – no matter where they live.

“This new funding address known mobile communications issues at 54 target locations, including at Cudlee Creek and Rapid Bay. I strongly encourage industry and local residents in Mayo to contribute their feedback on the guidelines for this important program.”

Senator for South Australia Penny Wong has encouraged locals to participate in the public consultation process, and have their say about how we can improve mobile coverage in Mayo.

“Feedback from the community is vital, to make sure this program addresses the needs of the area, including keeping families and vulnerable Australians connected and ensuring businesses can effectively operate.

The IMCR complements the government’s $2.2 billion investment in regional telecommunications over the next five years through the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. 

The Plan commits a further $1.1 billion to regional communication, including $656 million in new measures which will deliver on pre-election commitments. Other measures include:

• $400 million to improve coverage along regional highways, roads and in underserved communities.
• $200 million for additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program to fund a broad range of place-based communications solutions.
• $30 million to expand on-farm connectivity and drive productivity through machine to machine networks.
• $20 million to complete an independent audit of mobile coverage to identify black spots.
• $6 million to extend the Regional Tech Hub which provides expert advice to regional customers on how to connect and stay connected.

Local residents interested in having their say on the draft Guidelines should do so by 5pm (AEDT), 28 November 2022 by visiting the website. 

More information about the black spot program, including the list of targeted locations under the IMCR, is available online.