Local communities can help to identify potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding through a Project Noticeboard opened by the Albanese Government today.
The Albanese Government's MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
Round 8 of the MBSP - which will open for applications from industry later this year - will provide $55 million in Government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional and rural Australia to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
The online Project Noticeboard allows local Councillors and State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications.
The Project Noticeboard will close three weeks after the MBSP Round 8 opens for applications.
Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget as part of the Albanese Government's $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications - the most significant investment since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), Commonwealth funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8
