Vic receives more widespread mobile coverage

A further 28 new mobile phone towers will be built around Victoria, under the state government’s Victorian Mobile Black Spot Project (VMBSP).

The locations of the latest round of mobile phone towers have been announced, providing more mobile coverage for regional Victoria.

The Victorian Government is partnering with Optus and Telstra to build the towers, which are set to cover around 2000 square kilometres and connect more than 4000 premises.

“Optus is pleased to be working with the Victorian Government to deliver much needed mobile coverage in regional towns across Victoria. We understand the dependence on good mobile coverage to these local economies and will continue to invest in regional Victoria to enhance the strength and reliability of our network,” said Optus Manager Mobile Access Planning Vin Mullins.

The government has invested $11 million to build the towers, which brings the total amount of state co-funded towers to 229 — representing approximately $190 million of infrastructure investment in regional Victoria.

“Mobile coverage provides a lifeline for regional communities during an emergency, meaning that people can call for help and stay in touch with loved ones,” said Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford.

“We’re proud to partner with Optus and Telstra to give more Victorians the mobile coverage they deserve.”

A further $11 million was announced to fix more mobile blackspots in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 and the government will continue to work with the Regional Partnerships, local governments, mobile carriers, Emergency Management Victoria and the Commonwealth Government to get the best outcome for Victorian communities.

“We’re delivering new mobile towers to the communities that need them most — providing coverage and better connecting more communities,” said Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis.

The government is also developing digital plans for the nine Regional Partnerships using the most comprehensive, up-to-date information on each region’s digital infrastructure and services. This is due to be finalised later this year.

“As the carrier that has invested in building Australia’s largest mobile network, we know how important coverage is to regional and remote communities. We’re proud to be building 17 new base stations in partnership with the Victorian Government,” said Telstra Chief Sustainability Officer and Director Government & Regional Affairs Tim O’Leary.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kstudija

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