Improved mobile coverage and broadband across regional WA
NW towers at Armanda River, Curtin, Fletchers, Haime Hill, Rocky and Tracey
Coomallo Hill East tower services Mid-West
The Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP) is improving mobile telephone coverage and access to high-speed wireless broadband across regional Western Australia.
Telstra has switched on 30 of the 113 towers that will be upgraded or deployed under the $39.2million Royalties for Regions-funded project. RMCP will provide near continuous coverage along major highways throughout the State.
Science and Innovation Minister John Day said new technologies had the potential to assist social and economic outcomes in regional Western Australia.
"The wave of new technologies and devices available in the market place is transforming how we live and work. RMCP will enable West Australians in some regional and remote areas to take advantage of these technologies," Mr Day said.
"For example, access to high-speed broadband will create new ways for regional businesses to transact with clients over the internet. Expanded mobile coverage will enable people in remote areas to map a location or call a breakdown service using a smartphone."
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the RMCP was filling a much-needed social and economic gap in the regions and was an investment that would allow regional industry and communities to benefit from the digital age.
"Comments from residents and visitors in the 30 locations already benefitting from RMCP have been extremely positive. In many areas the standard of services is equal to what is enjoyed in the city," Mr Grylls said.
"Telecommunications are essential for the delivery of police and emergency services, business and recreational purposes in regional areas.
"Firefighters can use wireless broadband to download blueprints for a burning building while out in the field. Police officers can receive surveillance video feeds while at a scene and medical services can remotely access or transmit medical information in real time."
Fact File
RMCP administered by Dept of Commerce in consultation with Dept of Regional Development and Lands
Telstra awarded $39.2m Royalties for Regions funding to implement RMCP, January 2012
State Government's Royalties for Regions program administered by Department of Regional Development and Lands
Map attached highlighting the locations of the new towers
More information at http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/digitaleconomyRMCP
Science and Innovation Minister's office - 6552 6200
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500
