WORK continues to improve telecommunications in rural SA as regions wait on the announcement of round two of the federal government’s mobile black spot program.
The election bought news that towers would be going ahead in the Member of Parliament-nominated locations of Marree, Roberstown and Bute/Alford in the Grey electorate, as well as Karoonda, Kalangadoo and Kybybolite in Barker.
Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the government would need to have conversations with telecommunication companies for these locations, with negotiations of specific site selections still to come.
Mr Ramsey also expected an announcement on the results of round two in the next month, which would have $60 million in federal funding and a co-contribution of $5m from the state government.
“While I’m disappointed with amount of money the state has put on table, at least two telcos are engaging strongly with the government to get deals,” he said.
Round one was announced 12 months ago, with construction on a tower at Curramulka begun, and guidelines are being developed for a third round