Fixing Mobile Black Spots In Regional Communities

The Andrews Labor Government will partner with the Federal Government to build dozens of new mobile towers across regional Victoria – eliminating black spots, boosting coverage and improving safety for local communities.

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula announced the Labor Government’s $5.8 million investment today, which will massively expand 4G coverage in regional Victoria.

The 30 new towers will be co-funded by the Victorian and Federal governments in partnership with Telstra and Optus, through round four of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

The location of the towers is the result of extensive consultation with Victoria’s nine Regional Partnerships, local government, Emergency Management Victoria, Telstra and Optus.

Public safety, value for money and economic development opportunities were all key considerations during the consultation, ensuring the new towers will go to regional communities most in need of better mobile connection.

The Labor Government had committed $55 million to 194 new regional mobile towers, which will connect 20,000 premises to coverage for the first time.

More than 130 of these towers are complete and today’s announcement means the Victorian Government is now funding 224 towers across the state.

We are also boosting connectivity across the regions through free public Wi-Fi in Bendigo and Ballarat, and mobile towers and repeaters to improve coverage for commuters on regional rail.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula

“These new towers will make a real difference – boosting safety and coverage for communities across regional Victoria.”

“We’ve already delivered more than 130 new mobile towers, giving regional Victorians access to better information and a better signal when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“Delivering better coverage for regional Victorians is an absolute must and we’re proud be getting on with the job.”

“We’ve worked closely with Emergency Management Victoria, local councils and our nine Regional Partnerships to get this right.”

Full list of new mobile coverage locations: