Historic investment for mobile phone coverage in Limestone Coast
The Federal Government has announced $15 million to boost mobile phone coverage in the Limestone Coast – adding to funding already committed by the State Government.
The Malinauskas State Labor Government put $5.5 million on the table for Telstra’s Regional Connectivity Proposal, helping leverage the $15 million in federal funds – the project now has investment from all three tiers of government, and local industry.
The historic investment brings the total Federal and State Government funding to $20.5 million to install 27 new mobile base stations, adding around 2,400 square kilometres of new 4G coverage.
The new towers will increase mobile coverage, wireless broadband, and data- sharing capabilities. Vitally, it will also provide additional Triple Zero connectivity for users of other networks in emergency situations.
This will enable more efficient communication and monitoring in the forestry, dairy, agricultural, winery, and wool industries, provide better services to tourists, and improve access to health services.
The project was developed in consultation with local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association, Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, the South- East Professional Fisherman’s Association, RDA Limestone Coast, and the SA Country Fire Service.
Other South Australian projects receiving a Federal Government funding boost through the Regional Connectivity Program are NBN Fixed Wireless upgrades in Coober Pedy ($990,000) and Lock, Eyre Peninsula ($1.3 million).
Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowlands, said “it doesn’t matter where you live, access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity is essential in 2023.”
“That’s why the Albanese Government is investing $1.1 billion to narrow the digital divide as part of the most significant investment in regional communications since the creation of the National Broadband Network.”
Troy Bell, Independent member for Mount Gambier, said the funding is the final puzzle piece in a massive project that was diligently brought together by local business, industry and government.
“It will connect our community in a way that will be life-changing for the people of the Limestone Coast.”
