The Tasmanian Government is taking steps towards a much-needed upgrade in digital connectivity for West Coast communities and industries.
West Coast towns are experiencing growing demand for internet and mobile phone services but face unreliable connectivity, particularly during peak times, due to the limited capacity of current transmission links into the region.
The Tasmanian Government has formed a working group with representatives from the government, the West Coast Council and Telstra to advance plans for improvements to network hubs at Queenstown and Mt Read.
Liberal Member for Braddon, Roger Jaensch, said the working group was part of the government's commitment to work with the Australian Government and Telstra on delivering proposed 4G mobile upgrades and new 5G mobile capability.
"Currently data speeds in the region are well below what any Australian community should expect," Mr Jaensch said.
"Upgrading the transmission links that feed into the region will bring faster mobile data services for Queenstown, Mt Read, Rosebery, Strahan, Tullah and Zeehan.
"We firmly believe that in the modern age our regional and remote communities must not be forgotten and connectivity is more than just streaming TV and social media - it is about business, tourism, education, health and safety."
He said the working group would collaborate on a submission under the Commonwealth Government's Regional Connectivity Program.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we believe this will provide a real and workable solution to the current capacity issues felt by the West Coast community," Mr Jaensch said.
Working group member and West Coast Mayor, Shane Pitt, said the retreat of businesses such as banks to online customer service created a barrier for residents who could not access reliable internet or had no connection at all.
"Our West Coast District Hospital is one of the most remote hospitals in Australia so connectivity for tele-health is also critically important and the current service is not adequate," Mr Pitt said.
Study Hub West Coast manager, Nicky Bolt, said many students cannot study from home because of unreliable internet that doesn't support online lectures or webinars.
"The current connection is frustrating from a personal, educational and business point of view but is even more important for emergency services," she said.
"Some people are buying personal locator beacons so they can send a message via satellite in an emergency if they are outside a mobile phone service area."
The Tasmanian Government has raised the matter with the federal Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland.
