Tenders sought for priority mobile towers

THE federal government is going to the market to build much-needed towers, including four in the Geelong region, through its Mobile Black Spot Program

Last month, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield announced the start of a tender process for towers in 106 priority locations across Australia, and has committed $60 million to help build them.

Tenders are being sought to construct towers in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Bellbrae and Birregurra – towns that have been identified as having poor or no mobile coverage.

Telecommunications providers will bid to deliver coverage to priority locations by nominating the amount of federal funding sought, their own proposed co-contribution, funding from state and local governments and other sources.

Bids will be assessed by the Department of Communications on a value-for-money basis.

Of the original list of 125 priority locations announced during the 2016 election campaign, 19 locations have already successfully been addressed under round 2 of the program and through carriers expanding their own networks.

More than 312 new or improved mobile base stations have already been delivered under the first two rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, with a new base station now being switched on every working day, on average.

Telstra, Vodafone and Optus are on track to deliver all 765 base stations funded under the first two rounds by the end of 2018, and successful bidders for the 106 priority locations will also be expected to complete the rollout by the end of next year.