$39.2 million to improve telecommunication in the regions

February 1st, 2012

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 31-January-2012
 

Science and Innovation Minister John Day and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today announced Telstra had been awarded $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding under the Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP).

Mr Day said RMCP would provide Western Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities and businesses with access to a self-sustainable and affordable mobile voice and wireless broadband service.

“Under the project, the WA Government and Telstra will deliver about $106million in value to deploy new mobile communications infrastructure at 113 sites along major roads and highways across the State, and in several regional communities,” Mr Day said.

“This will increase mobile phone coverage in the State by up to 22 per cent while significantly boosting access to next generation broadband services.

“The Liberal-National Government’s investment has attracted more than double its value and is a very effective use of State funding to ensure regional, rural and remote communities have access to superior communication services similar to what we have in the metropolitan area.”

Mr Grylls said the RMCP would enhance the safety and convenience for people living, working and holidaying in regional WA.

“The contribution of $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding is a significant investment towards improving mobile telecommunication coverage and services that support sustained regional development across the State. It also builds on the $94.5million already invested through the Community Safety Network,” Mr Grylls said.

“The Regional Mobile Communications Project will not only benefit individuals and businesses, it will have a huge impact on the delivery of State Government and emergency services, especially in communities prone to bushfire and road trauma. 

“Public safety in the regions will be boosted with enhanced emergency radio and mobile telecommunication coverage, which is a great outcome for regional WA.

“For example, firefighters and emergency medical services can use wireless broadband to download vital information while out in the field and be able to remotely access and transmit information in real time.”


     Fact File

  • The project will take about three years to complete
  • The $94.5million Royalties for Regions Community Safety Network project funded a new communications network for police and emergency services in regional WA
  • For more information visit  http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/digitaleconomyRMCP
Science and Innovation Minister’s office - 9213 6600
Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000


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