Telstra has been awarded $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding under the WA government's Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP).

WA Science and Innovation Minister John Day and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said that under the project, the WA Government and Telstra will deliver about $106 million in value to deploy new mobile communications infrastructure at 113 sites along major roads and highways across the State, and in several regional communities.

“This will increase mobile phone coverage in the State by up to 22 per cent while significantly boosting access to next generation broadband services.

“The contribution of $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding is a significant investment towards improving mobile telecommunication coverage and services that support sustained regional development across the State. It also builds on the $94.5million already invested through the Community Safety Network,” Mr Grylls said.

“The Regional Mobile Communications Project will not only benefit individuals and businesses, it will have a huge impact on the delivery of State Government and emergency services, especially in communities prone to bushfire and road trauma. 

“Public safety in the regions will be boosted with enhanced emergency radio and mobile telecommunication coverage, which is a great outcome for regional WA.

“For example, firefighters and emergency medical services can use wireless broadband to download vital information while out in the field and be able to remotely access and transmit information in real time.”

The project will take three years to complete.

For more information visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ScienceInnovation/Content/About_Us/Key_focus_areas/Industry_development.html