The Albanese and Cook Governments have today welcomed a boost to mobile coverage and digital connectivity for travellers through Learmonth airport in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region, following the completion of a new mobile base station.
The site was built by Telstra under the Commonwealth’s Regional Connectivity Program, with co-funding from the WA Government.
Learmonth airport, located on a Royal Australian Air Force base, is the primary airport for the Exmouth region, including the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park.
With the 3G network switching off on 28 October, the new 4G and 5G coverage will significantly improve mobile reception for the airport, local residents, tourists and fly-in, fly-out workers.
The 25-metre-tall tower will cover an area of about 208 square kilometres.
The State Government has contributed $35.7 million towards 89 projects across Western Australia so far under three rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program, which is delivering better mobile, internet and digital services to regional areas.
Comments attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“It doesn’t matter where you live, access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity is essential.
“I’m extremely pleased that funding from the Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) has supported the Cook Government to deliver this vital connectivity boost for locals, tourists and workers at Learmonth airport.
“The Albanese Government is committed to narrowing the digital divide in rural and regional Australia, which is why we’re investing $1.1 billion through our Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia to deliver additional rounds of the RCP.”
Comments attributed to Western Australian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Don Punch MLA:
“This new infrastructure at Learmonth airport will deliver better mobile connectivity for tourists visiting this stunning area, local residents, and fly-in fly-out workers.
“These vital improvements will also help ensure the airport and ancillary services can embrace emerging technologies.
“The Regional Connectivity Program is a great example of Commonwealth-State collaboration to improve digital connectivity and boost business capacity in regional and remote communities.
“Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has committed $154 million to complement Commonwealth and industry investments in our State’s telecommunications infrastructure and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to bridge the ‘digital divide’ in our regions.”
