The government will invest $100 million in telecommunications infrastructure to improve network coverage for mobile devices in regional and remote communities as part of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

The program will improve mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in places prone to natural disasters.

It will also address unique mobile coverage problems such as areas with high seasonal demand.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said he met with more than 50 communities across Australia to get feedback on mobile coverage issues and discuss how the program would operate.

“Shortly we will commence a competitive selection process to determine the locations to be funded under the program,” he said. 

“To be eligible for consideration under the competitive selection process, a location must have been the subject of a nomination by a member of the public. 

“I want to thank the many thousands of individuals and community groups that have taken the time to let us know about how important mobile coverage is – whether it be for emergency response, natural disasters, education, tourism or other business communications.”

The government will begin a competitive selection process in the second half of this year and locations selected for funding will be announced in the first half of 2015. 

Nominations of eligible black spots can be made by emailing the information to mobilecoverage@communications.gov.au by 5pm on August 1.