Molloy Island residents and businesses will receive a boost to mobile network coverage following the opening of a new 3G tower on the island.
The tower was constructed and launched under the State Government Regional Telecommunications Project (RTP) and is expected to increase voice and data network coverage and reliability for residents.
At the official launch on Friday Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman said that connectivity in regional WA was vital to social and economic development.
“The Government’s investment in mobile telecommunications infrastructure is also helping to save lives in accident and emergency situations,” Mr Redman said.
The state government’s Royalties for Regions program has seen $85 million invested into regional telecommunications since 2012, with a total of 266 new phone towers to be installed by the end of 2018.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the expansion of voice and data services in regional areas would support growth of community centres, including Molloy Island and Augusta.
“The mobile tower will ensure access to necessary technology for local businesses on and around Molloy Island; more convenient ways for people to keep in touch with family and friends; increased safety for people travelling on nearby roads and better equipped emergency services leading to faster response times,” Mr Mischin said.
Telstra area manager Boyd Brown said the Molloy Island location presented challenges in delivering reliable network coverage.
“These are exciting times for the Molloy Island residents and nearby communities in Augusta with the arrival of improved mobile and data coverage to support this popular tourist haven,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said the enhanced mobile coverage was also important for local emergency services.
“While no mobile network should be relied on solely for emergency situations, it is reassuring for police, firefighters and ambulance services to know there is enhanced mobile coverage to help them and the community communicate during dangerous or life-threatening incidents,” he said.
The Regional Telecommunications Project allows emergency organisations to attach communications equipment to mobile base stations at no cost.
“Projects like this are helping those in rural towns to experience Telstra’s mobile network. With computers, laptops, tablets and mobiles, customers can connect to Australia’s largest and most reliable national mobile network,” Mr Brown said.
