AS the 3G mobile telephone network is shut down I’m concerned that mobile blackspots across Barker will increase in size and scope.
Being unable to make an emergency call is a dangerous plight for anyone, but particularly for people living in regional communities where distance between neighbours is often vast.
A mobile phone is no longer a luxury, it’s a key piece of safety equipment.
The Federal Government has recently announced that it will open a new round of the Mobile Blackspot Program for funding to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia.
The previous round of this funding program administered under the Labor Government delivered no funding for locations in Barker.
Labor has no credibility in addressing mobile blackspots.
In stark contrast, the former Coalition Government established the Mobile Blackspot Program and subsequently delivered 30 new mobile base stations, and six small cells in Barker, helping to improve mobile coverage for thousands of regional residents.
I am committed to advocating on your behalf for the improvement of mobile phone service across our region.
Report a mobile blackspot and help me advocate for improved coverage.
Blackspots can be reported by visiting the website (www.tonypasin.com/report_a_mobile_black_spot?utm_campaign=report_a_black_spot&utm_medium=email&utm_source=tonypasin).
Tony Pasin, Member for Barker
