Communications News

Australian Gov upgrades mobile networks across the country

Eliza Sayon Mar 7, 2022

2 min read

The Australian Government is further strengthening the resilience of mobile networks across the country against natural disasters with more than $10 million for upgrades.

Funding under Round 2 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) will allow Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom to deliver 544 mobile network resilience upgrades across Australia.

Minister for Regional Communications and Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said the Australian Government will allocate $10.9 million to successful applicants to help keep communities safe during a natural disaster.

“This strong outcome from Stage 2 of the MNHP demonstrates our Government’s ongoing commitment to improving mobile network resilience and preparedness, so communities can better manage future emergencies and natural disasters,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Successful projects include the installation of permanent power generators, increased battery reserves, transmission resiliency upgrades to protect against network transmission outages and site hardening measures, such as protective ember screening to shield sites from potential impacts of embers, radiation or flames.”

With mobile phones being vital for people in regional and remote communities to access critical support both during and after natural disasters, the upgrades will provide a significant boost to the mobile networks.

“It’s also important to remind people of the need to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters which can occur at any time, from having a spare battery on hand to telling loved ones your whereabouts,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I look forward to seeing these projects roll out.”

The MNHP is part of the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) package, which is helping to prevent, mitigate and manage outages during bushfires and other natural disasters.

Under Stage 1 of the MNHP, Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom were awarded funding to upgrade the auxiliary backup power supply at 467 sites funded under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).

Funding under Stage 2 was awarded through a competitive grants process.

Further information on the MNHP and STAND, including a list of mobile networks to receive upgrades, is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

Source: Minister for Regional Communications Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.