Joint media release

Mobile phone towers in Cowper will be able to operate for about 12 hours longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, thanks to a major new investment by the Morrison-McCormack Government.

The Government is funding Optus and Telstra to extend the battery back-up at four mobile phone towers in Cowper, funded under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, to provide better mobile coverage to 535 premises.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this investment is a step in the right direction toward improving the resilience of local telecommunications services.

“Probably the most widespread complaint made to me about the impact of the Black Summer Bushfires was its impact to our telecommunication and mobile phone services,” he said.

“Several Rural Fire Service brigades in my electorate were left door-knocking residents, rather than sending out bulk SMS messages, because the mobile phone service was down.

“This funding gives at least 12 hours of extra back-up power at four remote mobile phone towers, helping at least 535 premises in our remote areas.”

The four mobile base stations in Cowper to benefit from the first stage of the Mobile Network Hardening Program are:

• Brierfield: an Optus tower serving 111 premises
• Yarrabandinni: Optus – serving 96 premises
• Hickeys Creek: Telstra – serving 224 premises
• Taylors Arm: Telstra – serving 104 premises.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said telecommunications, including mobile phone towers, need reliable power sources to operate.

“This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for communities during and after a natural disaster,” Mr Fletcher said.

The Government is providing a total of $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back up at 467 Mobile Black Spot Program mobile base stations across Australia.

Telstra, Optus and TPG were awarded the funding through a competitive tender process and are making an investment co-contribution.

For more information visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

Media Contacts:

Mr Fletcher – Imre Salusinsky 0432 535 737

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744