THE Wimmera could have six new mobile base stations operating before the end of the year.
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The federal government announced on Thursday that Telstra and Optus would build new stations on Grampians Road between Halls Gap and Dunkeld, Toolondo, Yanac, Telopea Downs, Langkoop and Ballapur North.
The stations - among 32 new ones across the state to improve mobile coverage - form part of round four of the government's Mobile Black Spot Program.
Optus will be responsible for operating the Toolondo station, while Telstra will build the remaining ones.
The government has also announced $160 million for two more rounds of the black spot program.
Regional Services Minister Bridget McKenzie said reliable and effective mobile communications were a key driver in economic growth.
"Greater availability of mobile services is a big deal. It means staying safe in remote areas, keeping in contact with family and friends, unlocking access to online health and education services as well as increased tourism and business opportunities," she said.
"Rounds five and six will have a strong focus on improving mobile coverage in our regions at Public Interest Premises which benefit the community, such as medical facilities, schools and economic centres.
"Fast and reliable connectivity is essential to ensure regional areas remain competitive with access to the same business and study opportunities as the rest of Australia."
The tender process for round five is due to open in the next few months.
Ms McKenzie said some of the round four stations would be operational by the second half of this year.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the government would also provide a small cell station at Bellfield.
He said this station and the one on Grampians Road were a big win for people in the area.
"Not only will this address coverage issues for our locals, mobile coverage helps deliver the sort of visitor experience people expect in one of Victoria's leading tourist locations," he said.
Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said the use of small cell technology was an innovative, cost-effective approach to fixing coverage black spots.
"A small cell is a miniature version of a standard mobile base station and Telstra is using the technology to cost effectively deliver 4G coverage to areas where existing coverage is minimal or not available," he said.
"Mobile coverage means people and businesses in regional and remote communities can do things many in the city take for granted, whether it is streaming sports, movies and television, working remotely or just staying in touch."
In Victoria, the federal government will provide $6.5 million for the fourth round of the black spots program, and the state government $5.8 million.
Victorian Jobs, Innovation and Trade Minister Martin Pakula said the locations of the round four stations were decided following consultation with the state's nine regional partnership groups, councils, Emergency Management Victoria, Telstra and Optus.
He said public safety, value for money and economic development opportunities were key considerations.
In the black spot program's previous three rounds, the Mallee electorate has received 27 new or upgraded base stations.
National Rural Health Alliance chief executive Mark Diamond said while the new stations were good news, remote communities needed to be prioritised further.
"E-health, telehealth and tele-monitoring services are vital in our rural, regional and remote communities where services are thin on the ground. They help bridge the gap in delivering essential health services to isolated communities and they currently struggle due to inadequate infrastructure," he said.
"We need a more robust and priority commitment to improving telecommunications infrastructure in very remote areas as well as regional cities."
"You can't have telehealth consultations occurring when the infrastructure doesn't exist to make it work."
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