The Albanese Government is continuing to strengthen the resilience of mobile network communications in regional, remote and peri-urban Australia to keep communities safer and better connected during, and after, natural disasters.
Up to $20 million (GST exclusive) is available through Round 3 of the Albanese Government's Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP), with applications open and guidelines available at www.grants.gov.au
The MNHP co-funds projects with mobile carriers and tower companies to deliver upgrades that reduce the risk of outages and improve restoration times, for example, portable generators, back-up power equipment and physical mobile tower hardening.
Round 3 of the MNHP is open to projects located natural disaster-prone areas in regional and remote Australia and, for the first time, in the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities.
Applications for Round 3 of MNHP close 5 PM AEDT Friday, 20 December 2024.
An online Project Noticeboard allows communities to provide advice to the telco industry on potential projects or locations.
The Noticeboard is available on the Department's website until Friday 13 December 2024, at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-network-hardening-program/mobile-network-hardening-program-round-3-project-noticeboard
In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications - the most significant investment in this critical area since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
Including up to $100 million towards improving the resilience of networks against natural disasters through the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the MNHP are funding 1,386 projects nationwide, with 896 already complete.
