Mobile voice and data coverage in some of the State’s most iconic tourist destinations and remote Aboriginal communities is to be extended through an agreement between the McGowan Government and Optus.
The partnership has committed to upgrade services to 4G at nine locations across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance regions, while an additional two locations will receive mobile coverage for the first time.
The 4G satellite small cell service will triple the current coverage footprint to a six kilometre radius, double the capacity and reduce congestion.
The co-investment will help drive regional tourism, while also providing businesses and residents in isolated areas with a high quality mobile network service that will help support growth and jobs.
Works are set to commence in coming months to extend the 4G network to the following locations:
Upgraded to 4G:
- Bell Gorge (Kimberley) – tourist destination/Aboriginal community;
- Burringurrah (Gascoyne) – tourist destination/Aboriginal community;
- Cape Le Grand/Lucky Bay (Goldfields-Esperance) – tourist destination;
- Home Valley Station (Kimberley) – tourist destination;
- Kalumburu (Kimberley) – tourist destination/Aboriginal community;
- Karijini Eco Resort (Pilbara) – tourist destination;
- Karijini Visitor Centre (Pilbara) – tourist destination;
- Karijini Campground (Pilbara) – tourist destination; and
- Mindibunga (Kimberley) – tourist destination/Aboriginal community.
4G installed:
- Alexander Bay (Goldfields-Esperance) – tourist destination; and
- Parrngurr (Pilbara) – tourist destination/Aboriginal community.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This unique arrangement and McGowan Government investment will deliver premium grade mobile and data coverage to several remote locations throughout the State, many of which attract a high number of visitors.
“These sites were priorities for the State in the latest Federal Government Mobile Black Spot funding round – while they missed out on Federal funding, we’ve found a solution to bring coverage to these locations.
“The investment will boost tourism in the regions and give local businesses the necessary tools for modern operations, while providing visitors with peace of mind that they can stay connected and share their experiences from these remote locations.
“Public safety will also be enhanced by broader access to the triple zero network and facilitating faster emergency response times.
“Several Aboriginal communities will benefit from new or improved connectivity, supporting their participation in the modern digital economy.
“This collaboration with Optus is part of the McGowan Government’s commitment to pursue creative solutions to bridge the digital divide in regional WA.”
