Mobile Phone Coverage for Lowther, Ganbenang & Kanimbla

The rural residents of Lowther, Ganbenang, and Kanimbla Valley have expressed concerns over the years regarding the lack of mobile phone reception. Many property owners in our area are unable to access proper mobile phone reception. This problem is further magnified by Telstra's reluctance not to upgrade their infrastructure of the copper lines in the area and the continued phone outages that residents are experiencing on a regular basis.

Where there is a mobile phone black spot, there will be no mobile network coverage which means you cannot make a “000” call. In some circumstances you may not have standard call coverage depending on which network you are with. Ultimately if your faced with a life-threatening emergency and are in a mobile phone black spot area you will not be able to obtain emergency assistance. Delays in seeking emergency assistance could be the difference between life and death.

By way of background this is the second round of funding being made available for mobile black-spots in which submissions officially closed on 15 January 2016. Under the first round, the Government committed $100 million to deliver 499 new or upgraded mobile base stations across Australia with assistance from telco providers. The Government has further committed an additional $60 million for round 2 of the programme, with the locations to receive a mobile base station which is expected to be announced at the end of 2016.

Our Federal Member - Mr John Cobb is fully aware of the issues facing our Valley in particular the problems surrounding mobile phone reception. Mr Cobb’s office has been extremely understanding of the problem we face and is trying to assist us where he can. Mr Cobb’s office has been very helpful during the whole process and he and his team need to be commended for their efforts thus far.

We understand the area of the Lowther, Ganbenang, and Kanimbla Valley did receive numerous submissions from land owners for mobile blackspot locations.

We are looking for support from the Federal Government, Mobile Phone Providers & Lithgow City Council to support and approve a new mobile phone base tower in the Lowther, Ganbenang, & Kanimbla region for a reliable mobile phone and date coverage.

It’s important for the development, sustainability and the safety of our community to have a reliable voice and data services.