Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead announced today the NSW Government will fix 795 mobile phone black spots in regional communities to make it easier for residents to stay connected.

Mr Bromhead said communities including Elands and Wherrol Flat will benefit from their additional mobile network towers, to eliminate some of the State’s worst black spots, “The announcement delivers a key election commitment for residents who deserve a first class mobile coverage, which is critical for people living outside major cities who need access to emergency services,” Mr Bromhead said.

Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro said the combined Commonwealth and NSW Government investment is the greatest increase in mobile network coverage to metropolitan, regional and remote communities delivered by a single public funding programme in the history of Australian mobile communications.

“The NSW Government’s investment of $24 million, along with $28 million of Federal Government funding and a contribution from the networks, will result in a total investment of $92 million,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We will deliver 144 new or upgraded mobile base stations that will cover more than 14,000 square kilometres to benefit businesses and residents across regional NSW.”

Mr Fletcher said the outcome of the Mobile Black Spot Programme had significantly exceeded expectations.

“It is pleasing that the NSW Government has worked closely with the Commonwealth Government to maximise the amount of funding available – and in turn maximise the impact of this Programme to provide new and improved mobile coverage in areas which need it,” Mr Fletcher said.

The investment will improve coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and locations prone to experiencing natural disasters, with funding to be rolled out over a 3-year period.