The government plans to use Australia Post vehicles to help with an audit of Australian mobile coverage by outfitting them with mobile signal testing equipment and sending them on their way.
According to Michelle Rowland, minister of communications, the audit would “better detect dark spots and determine investment priorities from 2023.”
She announced the opening of a future competitive tender to source the signal measuring devices.
In a statement, Rowland added that a significant component of the audit will make use of Australia Post cars that are driving across the nation to give a precise evidence foundation to target mobile blackspots.
“In order to acquire the best value for the taxpayers’ money, a partner company will be chosen through a competitive contract procedure to install mobile signal measurement devices on delivery vans and trucks.
The finest information about mobile coverage, capacity problems, and gaps will be gathered in order to better inform and direct future investment goals and strategies.
The federal budget released this week included $20 million in funding for the mobile coverage audit.
It is a component of the $400 million Better Connectivity for Regional and Rural Australia Plan, which is an initiative of the government.
