Locals are urged to call-out the mobile phone black spots through the rural parts of Ipswich and the Somerset Region.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said it was important for the community to have a say on where the next mobile base stations are located, now that applications have opened for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program funding.

“This program funds new mobile base stations in regional areas where there are mobile coverage black spots,” Mr Neumann said.

“While this particular program does not cover the metropolitan areas of Ipswich, it will cover the rural areas around Ipswich and the entire Somerset Region.”

The Mobile Black Spot Program has provided new towers at Moore, Somerset Dam, Jimna, Esk-Hampton Rd (Redbank Creek), Kholo and Mount Crosby, which are all on air providing 3G and 4G services.

The South Ripley and Mount Kilcoy towers are due to be on air by mid-2021. The Linville tower construction is due to start in 2021.

“It is important that residents, businesses and local Councils let me know where the mobile blackspots are so we can get the coverage our region needs.

“We know that mobile coverage is vital for economic growth, public safety and maintaining social connections.

“While this program is for regional and rural areas, it is important the community informs me of any mobile black spot areas so they can be addressed.”

Round 5A of the Mobile Black Spot Program closes on 5 March 2021. More information can be found at www.communications.gov.au/mbsp.

Councils, community groups, business and residents are encouraged to contact Shayne Neumann or write letters of support or emails for towers in particular black spots. Contact Shayne at Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au or call his office on 3201 5300.