One month left to submit Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot Grants applications

The Albanese Government is encouraging groups to apply for the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) and Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) grants program, with $160 million in overall funding available to ensure all Australians have access to improved phone reception and broadband, regardless of where they live.

Funding for communications installations or improvements in regional, rural, remote and First Nations communities is available to community groups, councils, telcos and mobile network operators, via two streams:

• $110 million under Round 3 of the RCP, including indicative funding for telecommunications infrastructure solutions in First Nations communities in eligible areas across Australia ($15 million) and in Central Australia ($10 million); and
• $50 million under Round 7 of the MBSP, including indicative funding of $7.5 million for solutions that provide new mobile coverage in First Nations communities.

The combined total of $32.5 million earmarked for First Nations communications is an important step towards achieving Target 17 of the Closing the Gap initiative, which aims to ensure First Nations people have equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026.

Applicants, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), communities, councils, Members of Parliament and other interested parties are encouraged to work together during the application development period to develop multi-carrier solutions. This ensures that communities receive the maximum benefit from public funding of new infrastructure.

These programs are part of the Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia which is providing more than $1.1 billion to rural and regional communities – including $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.

Applications for this combined grant opportunity close on 12 July 2023. To apply, visit: grants.gov.au (search for Grant Opportunity GO6185).

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Albanese Government’s $160 million combined Mobile Black Spot and Regional Connectivity grants is a key demonstration of our commitment to improving communications outside our capital cities.

“This co-investment will help Australians living and working in rural, regional, remote and First Nations communities keep in touch with loved ones, run local businesses, and stay connected during emergencies.

“The Albanese Government is committed to narrowing the digital divide for First Nations Australians, and these grants open significant opportunities to do so.

“With the grants closing in one month, I encourage local communities to work with their councils, Members of Parliament and telcos to submit applications by 12 July."