MOBILE black spots at Cargo, Cumnock, Manildra and Molong will be targeted with new Vodafone mobile network towers that will also service people using other mobile providers.
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The new towers are part of the first stage of a state and federal government program to fix 795 mobile phone black spots in regional NSW to be rolled out in the next three years.
State member for Orange Andrew Gee and federal member for Calare John Cobb announced the funding for the mobile black spot program yesterday.
It will include $24 million in state funding, $100 million in federal funding as well as contributions from communications providers and third party organisations to total $385 million nationally and cover 3000 out of 6000 nominated black spots across Australia.
Mr Gee said one of the program’s guidelines is that the mobile network operator for each base station must give other operators the opportunity to co-locate and participate in the design using a specified process and timelines set out in an operational agreement.
“Telecommunication providers will now work with the federal government on a roll out schedule for the new towers and will then commence normal planning and consultation processes with relevant authorities and communities,” Mr Gee said.
“I’ve spoken to Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro and asked him to see if he can produce even more funding for even more towers and he’s going to have a look at doing just that.”
Cargo General Store sole trader Cath Brand said Optus has the best service in Cargo and although Telstra can be accessed in some areas, there are also some black spots.
“From my experience here, when our phone went down we had to go outside for [mobile] calls for deliveries, our mobile is with Telstra,” Mrs Brand said.
“We don’t get mobile service inside.”
Cabonne deputy mayor Lachie MacSmith said the roll out would be a much-needed boost to telecommunications in the shire.
“While good mobile phone communications are essential for people living in rural areas, they are critical in emergency situations,” Cr MacSmith said.
“This extended coverage could save lives.
“I know Mr Gee and Mr Cobb have worked very hard to try to eliminate mobile black spots in our area and it is satisfying to see both state and federal governments coming together to make this project a reality.”
