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Overview

This program provided $15.65 million (excluding GST) to support the capital costs of mobile phone infrastructure required to supply new or improved mobile phone coverage in regional Australia . Of these funds, $1.25 million was specifically earmarked to be used for towns with populations of 500 or more.

Locations were selected on the basis of available population to be serviced, degree of existing coverage and viability of ongoing services.

Outcome of the tender process

Following a competitive tender process, a funding agreement was signed between the Commonwealth and Telstra to provide improved CDMA mobile phone coverage to 62 locations. In early 2005 Telstra commenced a roll out the infrastructure, with all services completed by June 2007.

Ongoing provision of services

Under its contract with the Australian Government, Telstra must continue to provide services for 10 years after they are put in place. Telstra also has a number of other contractual commitments, including reporting in relation to quality of service, an obligation to provide similar services, at similar prices to those offered on the rest of its network, and to offer roaming on each of the sites funded by the Australian Government. The Australian Communications and Media Authority will be responsible for ongoing monitoring of these commitments.

List of locations

New South Wales

Bungonia, Canoelands, Durras, Hat Head, Mt George, Putty, Stockinbingal Valley, Tarago, Taralga, Upper Bellinger Valley, Upper Hastings Valley, Upper McCleay Valley, Whitton, Yeoval.

Northern Territory

Bamyili (Barunga), Beswick, Cooinda, Dagaragu-Kalkaringi, Daly River , Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Maningrida, Milikapiti, Milingimbi, Pirlangimpi, Warrabri (Ali Currung), Warruwi.

South Australia

Cadell, Ernabella, Mt Pleasant.

Queensland

Badu Island, Baffle Creek, Blackbutt, Bushland Beach/Mt Low, Condamine, Darnley Island, Keppel Sands, Meandarra, Mt Surprise, Murray Island, Muttaburra, Proston, Ravenswood, Saibai Island, Wonga Beach, Yam Island, Yowah.

Victoria

Boolarra, Eskdale, Mitta Mitta, Seaspray, Serpentine, Snake Valley , Tallygaroopna, Trentham, Tungamah, Warburton, Willaura.

Western Australia

Balgo, Cue, Peppermint Grove Beach, Warmun.

• Document ID: 70816 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 7:52pm