New mobile base station delivered to Qld's Upper Stone

Residents and visitors to the Upper Stone region of Far North Queensland should now have better mobile coverage, thanks to a new mobile base station funded by the Australian Government and Telstra.

Upper Stone is a small community west of Ingham, known for sugar-cane farming as well as its proximity to the Girringun National Park. The new base station, delivered through the government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), means people living, working and travelling in the area will now be better connected, boosting productivity and public safety.

“The new tower at Upper Stone is a significant investment in the connectivity and resilience of the local community,” said Telstra Regional General Manager Rachel Cliffe.

“Reliable mobile coverage is essential during times of disaster and emergency, helping residents stay informed, contact emergency services, and keep in touch with family and friends when it matters most.

“Beyond emergencies, this new infrastructure will support day-to-day life and economic activity in the region, including improved connectivity for local farming operations and businesses that increasingly rely on digital technology to remain productive and competitive.”

The MBSP has so far seen funding awarded for more than 1400 new mobile base stations, with a combined investment of more than $1 billion. Funding for recent rounds of the program has been part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, boosting connectivity right across the country.

“The Albanese government continues to deliver improved connectivity that regional communities need through the Mobile Black Spot Program,” said Minister for Communications Anika Wells.

“No Australian should be left behind when it comes to connectivity and we are investing heavily in telecommunications infrastructure in partnership with industry to keep places like Upper Stone connected.

“The new base station is important for local farmers as well as tourists taking in the beautiful waterfalls at the nearby Girringun National Park.”

Cliffe concluded, “It has been wonderful to partner with the Australian Government to deliver this crucial technology, ensuring communities like Upper Stone can access the connectivity they need to live, work and thrive.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Wirestock