Grant awarded to expand mobile coverage at regional surf beaches

• Expansion of mobile services at 18 regional beaches to commence late 2023
• McGowan Government committed to improving safety at regional beaches

Improved mobile coverage at regional surf beaches is one step closer with the successful applicant appointed to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure at popular locations along the State’s coastline.

Powertec Telecommunications has been awarded a grant to commission Cel-Fi repeaters at 18 sites located from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.

The McGowan Government committed $1 million under the Regional Telecommunications Project to improve communication in an emergency, as well as expand mobile coverage for regional communities and businesses.

The locations were chosen in consultation with Surfing WA, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Shark Response Unit and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The upgrades follow the successful installation of a small cell mobile base station at Twilight Beach in Esperance in late 2020.

The new equipment will be installed at a number of popular beaches including Cheynes Beach (Albany), Lighthouse Bay (Exmouth), Willie Creek (Broome), Salmon Beach (Windy Harbour) and Wilbinga Beach (Guilderton).

Installation is expected to commence in the second half of this year.

As stated by Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

“Expanding mobile coverage at some of our most remote beach locations through the McGowan Government’s Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program will vastly improve connectivity across regional WA and potentially save lives.

“In the case of an emergency, the ability to communicate quickly and effectively is vital.

“Investing in upgrades to telecommunications infrastructure not only enables our regional communities to thrive, in this case it is also helps to keep Western Australians safe at the beach.”