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The federal government will conduct an independent review on telecommunications mobile coverage to accurately pinpoint gaps in technology and determine investment priorities beginning in 2023.
Under the Federal Budget for 2022–2023, $20 million in funding for the Better Connectivity for Regional and Rural Australia Plan was approved.
Community concerns regarding mobile operators’ predicted coverage maps were addressed in the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review, which also stated that an audit may be useful for confirming them.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said, “Many Australians know that mobile coverage maps don’t always reflect the reality. That’s why the Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to undertake an independent audit of mobile coverage.”
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Working together with Australia Post to take advantage of its delivery and transportation resources will be a significant aspect of the audit.
Rowland said, “The results will help industry and Government make more impactful investment decisions and ensure coverage maps being published by mobile carriers are accurate and up-to-date.”
To acquire the best value for the taxpayers’ money, a partner firm will be chosen through a competitive tendering procedure.
This partner company will install mobile signal monitoring devices on delivery vans and trucks.
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“A key element of this audit will leverage off Australia Post vehicles travelling around the country to provide a clear and accurate evidence base to target mobile blackspots,” the minister said.
The finest information about mobile coverage, capacity problems and gaps will also be gathered to better inform and direct future investment goals and strategies.
The audit is a component of the Albanese Government’s larger Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which includes promises $400 million to increase regional mobile coverage and boost communications infrastructure’ resilience, particularly in regions with high natural disaster risk.
Source: Michelle Rowland Media Releases
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
