Consultation opens on the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) Round 2 draft guidelines.
The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs, creating natural disaster risks for those living and working in those areas. The PUMP delivers funding to improve mobile coverage and connectivity in these areas, which have been underserved because of their high cost, difficult terrain and lower population densities.
Up to $20 million has been allocated to Round 2 of the program. Under Round 2 eligibility will be expanded to the peri-urban fringe of additional major cities and regional centres across Australia including Cairns, Ballarat, Bendigo, Darwin, Geelong, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Townville and Wollongong.
Consultation on the Round 2 guidelines, including the expanded peri-urban fringe eligible areas is open until 16 August 2023 at 5pm AEST.
A project noticeboard for Round 2 has been established for local councils and community groups to identify mobile coverage, reception and quality of service issues in their area. Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers will then be able to use this list to inform their development of new infrastructure proposals for Round 2 of the PUMP. Local councils and community groups are invited to upload their project proposals to the noticeboard.
Funded solutions will improve mobile connectivity for people living and working in these areas, allowing communities to receive vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed, and stay in touch with loved ones.
To view the draft grant opportunity guidelines or to make a submission, please visit: Consultation on PUMP Round 2 draft guidelines
Find out more
- Read the Minister’s media release
- Read more about PUMP