20/8/02
The North West Coastal Highway would receive increased mobile telephone coverage under the Regional Mobile Phone Program, Minister for the Pilbara Tom Stephens said today.
In welcoming the announcement, Mr Stephens said the Federal Government initiative resulted largely from the extensive work undertaken by the Pilbara Development Commission and Telstra Country Wide and he commended both on their combined efforts in making a difference to the region.
Both parties had examined the technical feasibility and cost of providing continuous CDMA mobile coverage along National Highway 1 from Port Hedland to Carnarvon and Geraldton.
The announcement meant that the Gascoyne region would gain an additional 73km of mobile coverage along the highway at the Overlander Roadhouse turnoff to Denham and Monkey Mia.
In addition, the Pilbara region would benefit by an extension of existing coverage from Port Hedland by 45km to the junction with the Great Northern Highway.
"The announcement is a first step in developing Wireless North West, which aims to provide continuous CDMA mobile coverage along the highway from Geraldton to Port Hedland and ultimately to Kununurra," Mr Stephens said.
"The additional mobile coverage will benefit local residents and those travelling through the Gascoyne and the Pilbara. It will allow those travelling to remain in contact with family and in the case of an accident, contact with emergency services.
"With a high gain antenna and in car kit, residents of the Pilbara will now have almost continuous CDMA mobile coverage from Karratha to Port Hedland."
Projects announced by the Federal Government are due for completion by June 2004.
The Minister said he would urge the Federal Government and Telstra, the successful tenderer for the Regional Mobile Phone Program, to develop the Overlander and Yule River sites as a matter of priority.
The development of the two sites would enhance the safety of travelling along the North West Coastal Highway, as well as providing additional benefits in transport logistics by allowing companies to track the transport of materials into the region.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
