129/05
17 November 2005
Mobile Connect: Improving mobile phone coverage in the bush
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today released a discussion paper outlining options for how the Government’s $30 million Mobile Connect will be rolled out.
The scheme will build on significant Government investment already made to improve mobile phone coverage in Australia. Mobile Connect will further extend terrestrial mobile phone coverage in regional areas and ensure satellite handset subsidies for more remote locations will continue.
Over the past seven years, Australian Government funding of more than $145 million has supported the establishment of nearly 1000 new mobile phone towers in regional towns and along highways.
“The Government is committed to providing quality, affordable mobile telephony for all Australians and ensuring consumers in rural, regional and remote areas do not miss out,” the Minister said.
“The Government has already invested more than $1 billion in telecommunications services in regional and rural Australia alone. This targeted funding investment has supported important telecommunications infrastructure and services across the country.
“Mobile Connect will extend the existing Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme which offers up to $1500 to people who live or work in areas without terrestrial mobile phone coverage for the purchase of a satellite phone.
“But we are looking for an innovative new design for other elements of Mobile Connect. We would like to move away from the population methodology used in previous funding models and support rural areas that might have a small, permanent population but attract a bigger, transient population because of work and tourism.
“We also want to look at improving mobile phone coverage along highways primarily for safety reasons.”
The Government will maximise its investment in infrastructure by seeking contributions from telecommunications carriers, state governments and local communities.
The discussion paper provides background on previous Government initiatives in this area and invites comment on issues such as the commercial viability of further terrestrial network extension, optimal program design and future technology paths for mobile telephony in regional Australia.
“The Government is keen to consult as widely as possible in developing the Mobile Connect program,” the Minister said. I encourage all interested parties to take this opportunity to contribute views on the development of this important new program.”
The discussion paper is available at www.dcita.gov.au/mobileconnect. Submissions close 5pm on 31 January 2006.
Media Contact: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305