Tasmania gets telecommunications boost
Residents of Braddon and Lyons will soon be better connected following successful applications for funding new mobile blackspot and broadband projects under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie, said the projects form part of the Coalition Government’s continued roll-out of the $257 million Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
The $8 million in Coalition Government funding will be invested across Braddon and Lyons to deploy a combined eight new macro mobiles sites, a fixed wireless network and fibre backhaul for improved coverage and broadband connectivity in remote locations.
The implementation of voice over LTE (VoLTE) will also be included, allowing users to continue using 4G mobile data while making and receiving calls.
“Through Round 1 of the program, the Coalition Government has funded more than 130 projects in regional, rural, and remote communities, including four in the electorates of Lyons and Braddon in Tasmania,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Round 2 projects will now build upon the Government’s past investment in the program. They also build on the 44 Mobile Black Spot Program projects funded in Braddon and Lyons to date.
“I’m very pleased that residents and businesses across Tasmania will soon be able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities that this project will bring in terms of digital connectivity.
“Digital connectivity is an essential part of how we work, learn, stay safe and remain in contact with loved ones. The Coalition will continue to invest in this critical infrastructure as part of our plan for a strong economy and stronger future.
“Our government has continued to take a collaborative approach with the telecommunications industry and regional and remote communities to make sure the funded projects are tailored to the needs of each region and are supported by the community.
“This approach has resulted in an opportunity to create real change in the regions.
“By contrast, Labor has not funded a single mobile tower in regional Australia, in fact they recently announced that an Albanese led government will cut $155 million from the budget for regional communications.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said that these new projects will help provide improved mobile coverage for people living in the North West Coast, the Northern Midlands and Pelham and fixed wireless coverage for the Cradle Coast.
“Improved connectivity will allow regional communities and businesses to access essential online services, utilise new business tools and connect with the digital economy,” Minister Fletcher said.
Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Projects in Tasmania:
- Northern Midlands, Lyons ($2,504,872)
- The project will deploy three new Telstra macro mobile sites at Deddington, Royal George and Lake Leake, providing new and improved coverage to the area.
- Pelham, Lyons ($600,000)
- The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site, providing improved coverage to Pelham in the Central Highlands and along the Lyell Highway.
- North West Coast Tasmania, Braddon ($4,624,725)
- The project will deploy four new Telstra macro mobile sites at Boat Harbour, Port Latta, Marrawah/Redpa and Lower Scotchtown, providing improved coverage across the North West Coast of Tasmania.
- Cradle Coast Agricultural Project, Braddon ($279,000)
- The project will deploy a fixed wireless network providing broadband coverage to the Cradle Coast agricultural precinct and neighbouring areas. The network will extend broadband connectivity and voice over LTE in the area.
The Coalition Government’s track record of delivering regional communications in Tasmania.
We have funded 56 new base stations in Tasmania under the Mobile Black Spot Program to date, with 39 of these projects already completed.
In the electorate of Lyons, 33 mobile base stations have received funding from the Liberal and Nationals Government under Stage 1 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program. To date, 21 base stations are complete and now on air.
More information about the Regional Connectivity Program is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp
Only the Coalition will continue to deliver for Tasmania as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
