- Regional Telecommunications Project improving mobile phone coverage
- Muntadgin is one of the latest locations to benefit
The Wheatbelt continues to gain better access to mobile telephone coverage and high-speed wireless broadband, as part of an $85 million investment through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Muntadgin is the latest location to be connected with reliable 3G coverage by Telstra, expanding the connectivity along the Wogarl-Muntadgin Road and into the surrounding agricultural regions of the Wheatbelt. This area is renowned for its prosperous agricultural activities, so the new mobile telecommunications tower will help improve business into the future.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies said improving connectivity was a vital step forward for social and economic development in regional areas.
“The mobile tower will ensure local businesses have access to necessary technology; it will be easier for families in Muntadgin and surrounds to keep in touch; people travelling on our roads will be safer and better equipped; and emergency services will have improved response times,” Ms Davies said.
“It is great to see Royalties for Regions investments such as this contributing to building a better quality of life and paving a brighter future for everyone in our regions.”
The State Government’s significant investment of $85m since 2012 in regional telecommunications is leading to the development of 266 new mobile phone towers in regional WA.
Ms Davies said it was imperative that mobile voice and data services are expanded in the regions to improve government service delivery and support the growth and prosperity of regional businesses and communities
“The State Government’s investment in mobile telecommunications infrastructure is also helping to save lives in accident and emergency situations,” Ms Davies said.
The planned rollout of the new regional phone towers across regional WA is the result of partnership between the State Government, Commonwealth and industry.
Sixteen mobile base stations under the Regional Telecommunications Project have already been completed and switched on including towers within the Wheatbelt towns of Bolgart, Muntadgin, Tammin, Yerecoin, Wickepin, Westonia and Wongan Hills.