A new Telstra mobile base station at Pickering Brook will deliver 4GX mobile coverage and help connect residents, support businesses and the growing tourism industry around this popular scenic location in the Perth Hills.

The new base station, jointly funded by the Federal Government and Telstra under the Priority Locations Round (Round 3) of the Mobile Black Spot Program, will be activated within the next couple of weeks.

Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said that the tower was the latest in the Government’s work to deliver better reception to the region.

“This tower has been a long time coming. It will make a big difference in our region, where mobile connectivity continues to be a significant issue for residents and businesses,” Mr Hastie said.

“The Australian Government will continue to work closely with Telstra to deliver projects that benefit regional and peri-urban communities.”

Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the base station would provide an essential upgrade to local connectivity.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s priority is to provide Australians with better access to reliable communication services, which is why we have committed $380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“To date the Program has funded 316 new mobile base stations in Western Australia, with 232 of these now on air. This will provide residents with better access to education services, help them stay connected to loved ones and essential services, while helping local businesses grow.”

Federal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt, said the new base station would be crucial for keeping people connected during an emergency.

“Reliable coverage is critical year-round, but particularly important as bushfire season approaches in Western Australia,” Mr Wyatt said.

“This new site will address gaps in coverage within the area, improving business operations and social connectivity, while keeping residents safe when they need support the most.”

Telstra Regional Manager Boyd Brown said the new mobile site would provide over 20 square kilometres of improved 4G and 3G mobile coverage to more than 35 local premises and businesses in an area which has previously experienced quality of service issues due to its rolling hills and valleys.

“This is exciting news for the local Pickering Brook and nearby Bickley and Carmel communities with the new mobile site set to transform the level of mobile communications with better voice and data services,” he said.

“This a very picturesque and charming part of the State with a rich agricultural industry including vineyards and orchards along with restaurants that take advantage of the scenic terrain.

“Improved mobile coverage will also support emergency services and locals in times of need as this area is located in a high fire risk zone where communications make a big difference.”

Under the Mobile Black Spot Program Telstra, in partnership with local and state governments and the Federal Government, has delivered:

• More than 770 mobile base stations across Australia;
• More than 200,000 square kilometres of new or improved coverage nationally;
• More than 5,800 kilometres of new or improved highway coverage along some of Australia’s busiest, longest and most isolated highway trucking and tourism routes; and
• 220 Telstra-funded small cells that are delivering coverage to those harder to reach areas with smaller populations.

There have been more than 350 million calls sent or received, over 54,000 calls to Emergency 000 and 36,000TB of data downloaded and 3,500TB uploaded using Telstra’s 3G and 4G networks at new black spot sites across Australia.