It’s been a long wait, but the addressing of mobile black spots throughout the Frome Electorate has been welcomed by local MP Geoff Brock.

“I have driven thousands of kilometres throughout my electorate since entering parliament and have had firsthand experience of the inconsistencies of mobile phone coverage,” Mr Brock said.

“Rhynie has always been on top of my list, and local residents shave been fighting for a mobile tower in their township for the best part of 16 years.

“They have been denied access to mobile or internet access for more than a decade and a half, making them extremely vulnerable in times of crisis such as bushfires, vehicle accidents and health emergencies.

Mr Brock has lent his voice to lobbying government for improvements in mobile phone coverage and is pleased to see that a series of new mobile base stations will be constructed in South Australia, including sites at Riverton, Rhynie and Brinkworth.

“I am also pleased to see that another $160 million has been allocated for Rounds 5 & 6 of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, and I hope more areas in the Frome electorate will be impacted by these upgrades. I also encourage the Minister to liaise with telco carriers so that towers can be used by more than one provider.

“Penwortham has had serious consistency issues in service, with mobile phones cutting in and out, posing the same risks as with Rhynie, while Sevenhill is another area which was identified as having limited service – again with associated risks.”