$16 million mobile coverage boost for regional Western Australians

The Albanese and Cook Governments have today announced $16 million in joint funding to deliver better mobile coverage along highways and major roads for Western Australians who live, work or holiday in regional and remote areas.
 
The funding – set to be delivered as part of the Albanese Government’s $50 million Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program (RRAMP) - will support pilot programs to deliver new or innovative solutions to meet community connectivity expectations.
 
Once delivered, the pilot programs are expected to improve safety on our roads, strengthen economic growth, improve social connectivity, and support regional development along key road corridors in Western Australia.
 
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, announced the $8 million funding outcome for Western Australia today, which will support the Cook Government to fund new and improved infrastructure to address mobile coverage gaps.
 
This joint initiative follows the first Regional Connectivity Ministers Roundtable in August 2023, where states and territories agreed to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver improved mobile connectivity on major roads.
 
The Western Australian Government is providing matching funding of $8 million and will target its pilot program to improving coverage on two key regional road transport corridors.
 
The pilot program will focus on Albany Highway between Bedfordale and Albany Airport and the Great Eastern Highway between Bullabulling and Meckering.

In addition to addressing pressing mobile coverage issues, the pilot will also provide improved mobile connectivity during disaster and emergency situations. 
 
The pilot program in Western Australia is expected to commence soon with applications planned to open before the end of the year.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“The Albanese Government is narrowing the digital divide in rural and regional Australia.
 
“This important pilot program is just another way we’re delivering significant connectivity and safety improvements for communities across both Western Australia and nationally as the remainder of the program is rolled out.
 
“The RRAMP pilot programs are being delivered under the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which is funding initiatives to improve connectivity for regional and rural communities right across Australia.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister: 
 
“In an emergency we want all Australians to know that the Albanese Government is absolutely focussed on ensuring that no matter where you live, you are in the best possible position to respond to disasters, particularly as we approach bushfire season.

“In a disaster, every second counts, and being able to receive information, and maintain contact with family, friends and neighbours is crucial. I’m extremely pleased that this pilot program will deliver connection for more Australians when they need it most. 
 
“This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to improving community safety and resilience, following the announcement of Round 2 of the Disaster Ready Fund, which delivered joint funding of $55 million towards programs in Western Australia.”
 
Quotes attributable to Western Australia Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Don Punch MP:  
 
"This new pilot program will make a meaningful difference to communities and businesses in regional Western Australia, delivering improved connectivity and access to fast, reliable mobile services.
 
"The program will see significant infrastructure upgrades, boosting coverage along two major corridors in the Wheatbelt, Goldfields and Great Southern regions.
 
“Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has committed $154 million to complement Commonwealth and industry investments to improve the State's connectivity infrastructure and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to bridge the 'digital divide' in our regions.”