- Published:
- Wednesday 15 April 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has partnered with Telstra to make a joint bid to the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spots Program.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Telstra, in what is a first step to reducing mobile black spots in Victoria.
Under the MoU, the arrangement between Telstra and the Labor Government will be part of Telstra’s application to the federal Mobile Black Spot Program to extend and improve mobile phone coverage in rural and regional areas.
If successful under the federal program, the partnership will lead to greater investment in Victoria, resulting in the construction of more mobile phone towers across the state.
Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner, Craig Lapsley, played a significant role in developing the submission to the program.
Public safety and emergency management were high priorities in the development of the Labor Government’s approach to the program.
Telstra was chosen as Victoria’s partner to participate in the Mobile Black Spot Program as an outcome of a competitive process conducted by the Andrews Labor Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek
“The Andrews Labor Government understands the critical role mobile communications plays in regional Victoria.”
“We are pleased to partner with Telstra to address priority mobile black spots for regional Victorian communities.”
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to extending mobile coverage in regional communities.”
“Eliminating priority mobile black spot areas will have substantial economic and social benefits for regional Victoria.”
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett
“In contributing to the submission to the program, Emergency Management Victoria has given consideration to bushfire vulnerable areas of Victoria.
“These towers will improve mobile coverage and help improve access to emergency information in the event of bushfire.”