News
9 February, 2025
Coverage expands as federal funding opens
Vodafone is tripling its number of regional mobile sites, expanding its Caboolture hinterland mobile network sites from two to eight, and boosting area coverage in the Burnett region out to Kingaroy from 12 per cent to 73 per cent.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, is calling on local residents to voice their concerns about mobile black spots, as $55 million in new funding is available to improve phone reception and broadband access across the country.
Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) offers grant funding for disaster-prone areas in regional and rural Australia, aiming to enhance community safety and improve emergency response capabilities.
Mr. Neumann highlighted the importance of telecommunications services, especially during natural disasters, and emphasized the Federal Government's efforts to improve mobile coverage through the MBSP.
“I’m working with industry and communities across Blair to deliver new and improved mobile coverage, and I need your help,” Mr. Neumann said. “Local residents, businesses, and community groups in the Somerset Region can have their say on mobile black spots by contacting my office at (07) 3201 5300 or by emailing Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au.”
He encourages submissions from eligible locations within the Somerset Region and parts of Ipswich in Blair, which are covered by MBSP.
Residents can also make submissions directly through the online Project Noticeboard, where telco industry applicants review the submissions when preparing their applications.
For more details and to view eligible areas, visit:
Mr. Neumann stated that the Federal Government is committed to reducing the digital divide and ensuring communities in regional and rural areas are well-connected.
For more information, visit the MBSP Website.
