Kingstown, Baldersleigh mobile stations go live

31 Mar 2019

Residents in Kingstown and Baldersleigh can now access more mobile coverage in their area following the switch-on of two new mobile base stations. 

 

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the new Telstra infrastructure forms part of the Liberal National Government’s $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program.  

 

“Whether it's on the farm, at home or on the road, these new base stations will deliver significant benefits to people around Kingstown and Baldersleigh, providing reliable mobile coverage they need and deserve,” Mr Joyce said. 

 

These sites are among 42 new and upgraded mobile base stations being rolled out across the New England Electorate under this program.  

 

Earlier this month it was announced $160 million would be allocated for a further two funding rounds. 

 

Rounds 5 and 6 will have a strong focus on improving mobile coverage at public interest premises in regional areas, such as medical centres, schools and tourism facilities.  

 

Over the first four rounds, the Mobile Black Spot Program is already delivering 1047 new base stations nationally from $220 million in Commonwealth funding. This has generated a total new investment of over $760 million of regional and remote mobile infrastructure including contributions from state and local governments, mobile network operators, businesses and community organisations.  

 

Base stations under the first three rounds are expected to be operational by 30 June 2019. Round 4 base stations are expected to roll out shortly with the first new base stations being activated by the second half of the year.  

 

The New England secured five new base stations under Round 4 including Moonan Flat, Legume, Torrington, Wellingrove Creek and Weabonga.

 

This is in addition to the announcement by Optus of the completion of six new mobile base stations across the New England. These Optus sites include Attunga, Barraba Central, Hallsville, Moonbi, Piallamore and Kingswood.

 

(ENDS)

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