Joint Release with Karen McNamara MP - Member for Dobell: Dobell's Mobile Black Spots Exposed

Federal Member for Dobell, Mrs Karen McNamara, welcomed to the electorate today Paul Fletcher MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, who is responsible for implementing the Government’s $100 million Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“The Coalition is delivering on its election promise to invest $100 million to improve mobile phone coverage in outer metropolitan, regional and remote communities around Australia,” Mrs McNamara said.

“Locally, I am committed to seeing this investment support our local small businesses to boost productivity and create more employment options.”

“Mr Fletcher attended a round table discussion with Wyong Shire Council and key business stakeholders where he was briefed on local telecommunication needs and priorities”, Mrs McNamara said.

The Programme has two elements:

• the $80 million Mobile Network Expansion Project will improve mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters; and
• the $20 million Mobile Black Spot Project will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services.

“Mr Fletcher’s visit to Dobell highlights the Government’s commitment to black spots around the country and our determination to ensure this Programme leads to real outcomes for our community,” Mrs McNamara concluded.

The Government is accepting nominations of mobile black spots until the end of June 2014. Anyone wishing to report a mobile black spot can email [email protected]