The State Government's Royalties for Regions Regional Mobile Communication Project (RMCP) is transforming the lives of people living in one of Australia's most isolated regions.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said new communication towers, installed by Telstra in the Western Desert's Ngaanyatjarra Lands, would provide unprecedented mobile voice and internet coverage to communities in areas such as Blackstone, Warakurna, Wanarn, Jameson and Wingellina.
Mr Redman said the Royalties for Regions-funded project was a commitment to bridging the digital divide experienced by people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
"Access to mobile coverage and broadband internet is crucial in improving health, education, emergency services, business, wellbeing and community welfare outcomes for regional Western Australia," he said.
"Stage 1 of the RMCP is almost complete and the State Government has committed a further $45million over four years to fund Stage 2, which will align with the National Broadband Network and have a stronger community focus, delivering even more benefits and opportunities to regional West Australians.
"This landmark project will no doubt support the sustainability and liveability of regional WA."
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said construction of the five towers would increase mobile network coverage in the area by more than 9,000 square kilometres.
"This is an especially significant achievement for the RMCP in providing vital and reliable telecommunications coverage to remote communities that have previously had very little service," Mr Mischin said.
"The RMCP is about connecting WA's regional and remote communities, providing equitable access to telecommunications and the internet, as well as improving safety throughout the State.
"We now have almost continuous mobile and broadband coverage along Highway 1 and on completion of the project overall coverage in WA will have increased by almost 95,000sqkm - approximately 22 per cent. This is a major achievement and will again increase when Stage 2 begins next year."
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Commerce Minister's office - 6552 5600
