Calls to improve phone and internet coverage in Pipers Creek have been answered.
Telstra has installed a mobile tower in Pipers Creek as part of the federal government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.
Absent and poor telecommunications coverage in the region impedes safety, business productivity, education, social connectedness and access to services, a 2014 study into the Macedon Ranges Telecommunications Black Spots found.
“When internet banking requires confirmation details and responds with an SMS, weather determines whether I get the message,” one survey participant said.
Other survey responses said their lack of reception made it difficult to work from home.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the tower would upgrade coverage, reducing these challenges for residents.
“Residents in Pipers Creek will now see a substantial improvement to mobile coverage and connectivity,” Ms Thomas said.
“This program is not only significantly improving mobile coverage for thousands of households and businesses, it’s creating new opportunities that will boost our regional economy.”
Pipers Creek is one of 577 mobile coverage black spots across regional and rural Australia receiving expanded 3G/4G mobile coverage from the $486 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
This program involves funds from Telstra, the federal government and state and local governments.
