Riverina farmers have welcomed moves to pressure governments and businesses into fixing mobile phone “blackspots”.
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Gordon Hall said he barely got any coverage around his property near Ardlethan, despite promises something would be done about it.
“We’ve gone backwards in the past 15 years while the rest of the world has gone forwards,” Mr Hall said.
“Coverage is so essential, but the cities get all the attention while the need for phone services is greater out here.”
The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) has begun checking phone companies’ mobile phone coverage maps, in order to secure more blackspot funding from the federal government.
The idea is to present “real-world” data to local members who can then use it to argue for more funding under the federal government’s Mobile Blackspot Program.
“We want to work out where the actual blackspots are in our region,” REROC chief Julie Briggs said.
“It’s good to be on the front foot with this and try to inform the decision making.”
Coolamon Shire general manager Tony Donoghue said it was a matter of safety for many rural communities.
“I’ve heard of situations where there’s been a car accident and no-one can call for help because there’s no mobile service,” he said.
“We’ve got some blackspots and we’re working very hard to try and identify them, because what might not have been a problem five years ago has now become one as more people use a service.”
Telstra bore the brunt of angry Ardlethan residents at a fiery town hall meeting in January and area general manager Chris Taylor said he understood increased coverage was a big priority for the region.
“We are continuing to work on ways to expand mobile coverage in the region through the government’s Mobile Blackspot Program and our ongoing investment in our mobile footprint,” he said.
“We will be building six (more) mobile base stations in the Riverina electorate – we have already brought Darbys Falls, Murringo and Warroo online and we expect to activate Ladysmith in the coming months.
“We are also rolling out small cell technology across parts of regional Australia, which delivers high-speed 4G voice and data services in some small country towns where suitable Telstra infrastructure is available.
“Our customers who have in-house blackspots may also be able to use our new Wi-Fi Calling technology, which allows customers with a compatible device to make and receive mobile calls using their Fixed Home Broadband Wi-Fi service.”
Small cells are already in place at Tallimba, Wantabadgery, Brungle and Humula.
If you know of any mobile blackspots, report them to mail@reroc.com.au and fill out the form below.