The Hon Michelle Rowland MP

Minister for Communications

Member for Greenway

The Hon Kristy McBain MP

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Government continues to improve connectivity in Eden-Monaro regions impacted by natural disasters, with handheld mobile coverage boosted in Quaama.

Through the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP), the Government provided $85,725 to Telstra to support the roll out of a small cell device in the village.

Small cells provide additional network capacity or mobile device coverage to a small, targted area.

They operate at lower power than a traditional mobile phone base station, use smaller equipment, and can be fixed to existing structures, such as sides of buildings or utility poles.

Switched on in recent months, this small cell device has been a major boost for Quaama locals, ensuring people can study online and access key services, and supporting the operations of small businesses.

This upgrade builds on the Government’s significant investments towards improving connectivity and telecommunications resilience across Eden-Monaro.

In addition to thousands of premises in Eden-Monaro being able to upgrade to full-fibre broadband connections, the Government is also investing $5.4 million to improve mobile black spots in priority areas.

New mobile base stations will be built at Dalmeny, Mystery Bay, along the Kings Highway, on the Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Eden, and at Talbingo.

This small cell project at Quaama was delivered under Round 2 of the RCP funding, which committed $137.21 million for 93 projects across Australia.

The RCP is part of our Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, providing $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural, regional and remote communities.

For more information, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Every Australian deserves access to fast, reliable mobile connectivity, regardless of postcode or circumstance.

“The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to narrow the digital divide, with a focus on regional communities like Quaama.

“Residents and businesses will benefit from fast, reliable connectivity. I look forward to seeing these benefits replicated across the country as we continue to deliver our Better Connectivity Plan.”

Quotes attributable to Kristy McBain:

“We know how important access to good connectivity is for running our businesses, accessing essential services, and keeping in touch with family and friends – which is why we continue to improve mobile coverage across Eden-Monaro, including in Quaama.

 “For communities like Quaama, we also know how important reliable connectivity is for keeping people connected and safe during natural disasters, which is why I’m proud to have worked with Telstra to deliver this upgrade for local residents.”