State Government pledges $1 million to expand mobile coverage at regional surf beaches

The State Government has pledged $1 million to provide better mobile services at regional surf beaches across WA.

The work is intended to improve communications in an emergency and expand mobile coverage in regional communities and businesses.

Powertec Telecommunications has been appointed to improve telecommunications infrastructure and expand mobile coverage.

The organisation will commission Cel-Fi repeaters across the WA coast from the Kimberley to the Great Southern after 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 new equipment will be installed at 18 regional beaches, including Willie Creek, Lighthouse Bay, Cheynes Beach and Wilbinga Beach.

Installation is expected to start later this year.

Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the expansion of mobile coverage at some of WA’s most remote beaches would 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,” he said.

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