THE HON MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

SENATOR LOUISE PRATT
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DUTY SENATOR FOR FORREST

MEDIA RELEASE

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT OPENS FUNDING APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS
LOCAL MOBILE BLACK SPOTS

The Albanese Government is delivering on its Election commitment to improve mobile coverage in identified locations like the Forrest Highway near Australind by opening applications for grant funding.

The $40 million Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR) delivers on election commitments to fund Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers to deploy new mobile infrastructure at 54 target locations across Australia.

In addition to benefiting regional communities, this dedicated round is also targeting mobile coverage issues along a number of major regional highways to ensure motorists have access to essential mobile services in the event of an emergency.

The IMCR was funded in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The Albanese Government has made significant investments to improve regional coverage through its $656 million Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan commits $400 million to expanding mobile coverage and improving communications resilience, including investment to fund future rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, and $200 million to fund place-based communications solutions through additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program. Consultation is currently open on both of these Programs.

Mobile Network Operators and Infrastructure Providers will have until 5PM AEDT, 13 April 2023 to apply for IMCR grant funding.

Further information on the IMCR – including the list of targeted sites –  is available on the Department’s website at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-technology-communications/phone/mobile-services-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program.

“Decent, reliable mobile coverage is crucial for regional communities like Forrest.
It’s at the centre of our daily lives, keeping the local economy thriving
and staying in touch in the event of an emergency or natural disaster."
Senator Louise Pratt

“The Albanese Government’s October Budget included one of the
most significant investments in regional connectivity since the creation of the
National Broadband Network over a decade ago."
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP