Improving mobile coverage in Queensland

The availability of mobile telephone, messaging and internet services has become something that most people rely on to stay in-touch and conduct business. The mobile carriers are responsible for the provision of mobile services as a commercial business activity, where it is viable. However, in a large and decentralised state like Queensland, there are many areas where this is not commercially viable.

Under the Australian Government Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), the federal and state governments and carriers co-fund the building of new mobile sites to improve mobile telephone and internet services where it is not commercially viable for the carriers alone.

Regional Queensland communities are receiving a boost in mobile services through a recent round of the MBSP (Round 5), in which the Queensland Government is contributing more than $1 million to co-fund 19 new mobile sites.

The State has committed more than $27 million to the program since Round 1 in 2015, resulting in the provision of new mobile telephone and internet services to 166 communities across Queensland. These new services cover residents, businesses, emergency services, hospitals, schools and roads.

Mobile telephone and internet services can be delivered by either large Macro Towers or Small Cells. Macro Towers are full-sized mobile towers and they provide coverage over many kilometres, serving hundreds of people. Small Cells are more economical smaller structures that provide coverage over a much more limited area and are useful for smaller communities. The MBSP co-funds both Macro Towers and Small Cells.

In addition to the 166 mobile sites, a further 78 Telstra 4G Small Cells have been installed throughout the State.

The Queensland Government has worked with the Australian Government and carriers through the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters Program (STAND) to obtain commitments to improve telecommunications resilience in bushfire and disaster-prone areas. This program includes upgrades to 142 mobile sites.

More information

For more information, visit Mobile Black Spot Program.