Community views sought for next round of Mobile Black Spot funding

Media release shared from minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/community-views-sought-next-round-mobile-black-spot-funding

Local communities can help to identify potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding through a Project Noticeboard opened by the Albanese Government today.
 
The Albanese Government’s MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
 
Round 8 of the MBSP – which will open for applications from industry later this year - will provide $55 million in Government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional and rural Australia to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
 
The online Project Noticeboard allows local Councillors and State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications. 
 
The Project Noticeboard will close three weeks after the MBSP Round 8 opens for applications.
 
Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022–23 Federal Budget as part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
 
In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications – the most significant investment since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
 
Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), Commonwealth funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
 
To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8
 
For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/bcp
 
For more information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp     
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“Reliable, resilient mobile coverage is absolutely essential. The Albanese Government is working with industry and communities around Australia to deliver new and improved mobile coverage.
 
“Round 8 of the Mobile Blackspot Funding Program will focus on regional and rural locations that are prone to natural disasters to better protect communities during their greatest time of need.
 
“I welcome input from local communities through the online Project Noticeboard on how to best target the up-coming funding round which will open later this year. 
 
“I encourage people to speak with their local Councillors or State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to make their voice heard.”