The State Government has boosted mobile phone and internet coverage across regional Western Australia by installing an extra 113 communications towers, improving reception by 95,000 Kilometres.
At the installation of one of the final towers at Manjimup West today, Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the $39.2million State Government Royalties for Regions-funded Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP) was a giant leap forward and had increased coverage by more than 22 per cent.
“The benefits of this project for rural, remote and regional West Australians are enormous; from connecting communities and boosting local businesses, to educational opportunities, better health and welfare outcomes, and increasing safety and emergency service responses,” Mr Mischin said.
“For instance, Highway 1 now has almost continuous coverage, which helps residents, tourists, truck drivers and anyone travelling in regional WA.”
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said new mobile communications towers now stretched from the remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands in the Western Desert to the Kimberley town of Kununurra, all the way south along Highway 1 to the town of Eucla.
“This has been a huge undertaking but we now have unprecedented mobile and internet coverage across our vast State, delivered on time and within budget,” he said.
Starting next year, Stage 2 involves the $45million Regional Telecommunications Project to install a further 80 telecommunications towers in small communities and at strategic sites.
“This will mean West Australians living in rural, regional and remote areas will be more connected than ever, supporting the sustainability of regional WA and offering a wealth of new opportunities in communications,” Mr Redman said.
Hon Michael Mischin LLB (Hons) BJuris (Hons) MLC,Hon Terry Redman MLA — State-wide project to boost mobile reception added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
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