Hammond is set to benefit from improved mobile coverage thanks to the joint Federal and State Government Mobile Black Spot announcement today which will see 29 new base stations funded in South Australia.

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick MP has welcomed the funding for a new base station.

“The new base stations to be located at Ettrick, Marama, Mypolonga and Nildottie will fill a significant gap in mobile network coverage in the Murraylands,” Mr Pederick said.

“These new base stations will not only give better connectivity for the residents of Hammond but also for the many people travelling throughout the region.”

Mr Pederick has been working closely with State Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone today announced that Hammond will receive 4 new base stations under Round 4 of the program at a joint announcement with Federal Minister for Regional Services, Bridget McKenzie.

“South Australia’s economic growth will be driven by effective mobile communications and this announcement is significant step forward for regional South Australia,” Minister Whetstone said.

“Our regional areas are a major driver of our state’s economy and are an integral part of the state’s identity.

“South Australia’s regions contribute around $25 billion a year to the state’s economy, and connectivity is essential to driving our regions’ and our state’s growth and success.”

Under Round 4 of the Commonwealth Government’s Mobile Phone Blackspot Program, $19.4 million will be invested in mobile infrastructure in South Australia. This includes $5.5 million funding from the Commonwealth and $5.3 million from the South Australian Government with the remainder to be made up by telecommunication companies.

The announcement follows a commitment by the Marshall Liberal Government to address mobile black spots in South Australia through a dedicated $10 million Mobile Black Spot fund.

Base stations under the first three rounds are scheduled to be operational by 30 June 2019. Round 4 base stations are expected to roll out shortly with the first new base stations being activated by the second half of the year.

More information about the program is available at: communications.gov.au/mbsp