Improved mobile phone coverage and internet access on the way, Davies
Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 31-January-2012
Member for the Agricultural Region, Mia Davies has welcomed today’s announcement of Telstra as the successful tenderer to carry out the $39.2 million Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP).
“Funded by Royalties for Regions, the project is set to make taking a call, sending an SMS and accessing the internet wirelessly a whole lot easier for many people across the Wheatbelt and Mid West,” Ms Davies said.
“As a result of the project new mobile communication infrastructure will be deployed on 113 sites along major roads and highways across the State,” Ms Davies said.
“The works will improve mobile phone coverage across WA by 22 per cent and more than 8300 kilometres of the State’s highways will have near-continuous car-kit coverage,” Ms Davies said.
She said the project would help to ensure regional WA kept pace with the metropolitan parts of the State.
“For too long regional WA has been kept in the dark ages when it comes to telecommunications.”
“Improved mobile phone coverage and wireless internet access will make carrying out business in the regions a whole lot easier. It will also be welcomed by visitors to our regions.”
Ms Davies said most importantly it would have far-reaching impacts for emergency service agencies.
“For example, if there’s an accident the local volunteer ambulance drivers can only be contacted via landline.”
Volunteers aren’t typically sitting by their phone waiting for a call - they’re out in the community running their businesses.”
Ms Davies said the project was a great example of strategic use of Royalties for Regions funding with the investment likely to improve business opportunities, safety and the liveability of regional communities.
The roll-out of the RMCP will take about three years to complete, with Telstra expecting to complete 30-40 sites per year.
The order of the sites will depend on the gaining access to land and development approvals from councils.
CAPTION: The State Government’s Regional Mobile Communications Project will deploy new communications infrastructure on 113 sites across WA. The attached map details the proposed sites and the extended areas of coverage estimated to result from the roll-out.
