Mobile Black Spot Program Improving Mobile Coverage Round Grant Opportunity Guidelines

Details

The Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) is an Australian Government initiative that aims to deliver improved mobile coverage and competition through investing in regional, rural, and remote telecommunications infrastructure. Across Australia, the MBSP has provided over 1,270 new mobile base stations, with 1,047 base stations activated in October 2022. In addition to generating more than $875 million in investment.1

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) recently commented on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) request for feedback on the grant opportunity guidelines for a new Improving Mobile Coverage Round of the MBSP. In our submission, ACCAN suggested that the Department should:

  • Expand the Guidelines to subsidise mobile coverage extension equipment.
  • Promote access to 24-hours of auxiliary back-up power in isolated areas.
  • Make publicly available the decision-making process for selecting the 54 Target Locations.
  • Provide additional support for local communities to broker partnerships through facilitators and resources.

Download:  docxDITRDCA MBSP IMCR Grant Opportunity Guidelines3.51 MB

Download:  pdfDITRDCA MBSP IMCR Grant Opportunity Guidelines232.43 KB

1 Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. (2022). Mobile Black Spot Program. Accessed 17.11.2022. Available at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-technology-communications/phone/mobile-services-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program.