Mobile Black Spot Program

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Grants to support telecommunications infrastructure by enhancing mobile connectivity in remote and regional areas across Australia and improving mobile coverage and competition across the country.

What is the Mobile Black Spot Program?

The Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) Round 8 aims to enhance mobile connectivity in remote and regional areas across Australia. This program is a key component of the Australian Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for regional and rural Australia, focusing on improving mobile coverage and competition.

Mobile Black Spot Program level of support

Eligible projects can receive a Commonwealth contribution of up to 100% of the total solution cost, depending on the structure of the project:

  • Projects involving all three National Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) using active sharing or roaming technology may seek up to 100% funding.
  • Projects with co-location or less than three MNOs can seek up to 50-75% funding.

Co-contributions from applicants are mandatory for those not involving all three MNOs and are highly encouraged to extend the reach and impact of the program.

Mobile Black Spot Program important dates

Mobile Black Spot Program objectives and outcomes

The key objectives of Round 8 of the program include:

  • Improving Coverage: Extend mobile phone coverage in areas where there are clear economic and social benefits but where coverage is currently inadequate or non-existent.
  • Enhancing Competition: Increase competition among mobile network operators to ensure better service provision and pricing for consumers.
  • Supporting Emergency Services: Enhance the capacity of emergency services to communicate during natural disasters and other emergencies by providing reliable mobile coverage.
  • Boosting Economic Growth: Support economic growth and sustainability in regional communities through improved connectivity, facilitating business operations, tourism, and local development.
  • Ensuring Resilience: Build infrastructure that is resilient to the challenges posed by natural disasters, thus safeguarding communities during times of crisis.

Projects and expenditure eligible for Mobile Black Spot Program support

The grant covers new mobile phone infrastructure that provides enhanced mobile coverage. Eligible activities must not have started construction prior to the application and must not include sites planned for commercial investment or previously planned expansions by mobile network operators.

Ineligible expenditures:

  • Costs related to activities that the applicants would have undertaken without the grant.
  • Operational and maintenance costs of the infrastructure beyond the initial setup.

See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for funding.

Other Mobile Black Spot Program important details that you will need to know

Eligible applicants include national mobile network operators and mobile network infrastructure providers that can demonstrate a commitment to using the infrastructure to provide public mobile telecommunications services.

See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.

Applications will be evaluated based on their ability to deliver new and improved coverage, support for emergency services, and value for money, with a detailed focus on the cost-effectiveness of the proposed coverage area.

See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.

Applicants must:

  • Read and understand the guidelines.
  • Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
  • Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
  • Provide complete information requirements.

 

To ensure a smooth application process for Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, applicants should prepare the following information and documentation:

  • Business and Contact Information: Full legal entity name, Australian Business Number (ABN), contact details, and registered address.
  • Project Proposal: Detailed description of the proposed project, including the locations targeted, technology solutions to be used, and a clear outline of the objectives that align with the program’s goals.
  • Coverage Maps: Current 4G and 5G coverage maps to demonstrate areas of new coverage and improvements. Include both existing coverage and proposed expansion areas.
  • Endorsement Letters: Written endorsements from relevant State or Territory Governments for each proposed solution, confirming their support and alignment with state-level digital infrastructure goals.
  • Financial Plan: Detailed budget outlining all capital and operational expenditures. Specify the amount of funding requested from the program and detail any co-contributions from other sources, including in-kind support.
  • Operational Plan: Description of operational plans for the maintenance and sustainability of the infrastructure post-installation.
  • Evidence of Co-Contributions: Documentation of financial and in-kind contributions from third parties, including agreements or commitments from local governments or other partners.
  • Risk Assessment: Analysis of potential risks associated with the project’s implementation and strategies for mitigation.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Documentation: Ensure compliance with all relevant telecommunications regulations and standards. Include any necessary environmental and planning permissions or assessments.

 

See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.

Applicants must submit their proposals via the online portal provided by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

Mobile Black Spot Program resources

Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?

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    Ensure your application stands out by allowing GrantHelper’s experts to meticulously review and refine your submission, maximising your chances of securing funding.
  5. Bespoke Services
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