Mobile Blackspot Program

Invests in telecommunications infrastructure to enhance mobile coverage and competition throughout Australia.

This is a unified grant opportunity up to $150 million, merging the Mobile Black Spot Programme and the RCP in two streams, to enhance mobile and broadband connectivity in regional, rural, and First Nations communities across Australia:

• A $100 million Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream for location-based solutions that deliver new or upgraded broadband services or improved mobile services in eligible locations across Australia
• A $50 million Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) stream that provides new handheld mobile coverage to rural, regional and remote locations across Australia (this listing).

This $150 million funding includes a dedicated $22.5 million (exclusive of GST) to enhance telecommunications services in First Nations communities and contribute towards achieving Target 17 of the Closing the Gap initiative, which aims to ensure First Nations people have equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026. The funding comprises:

• $7.5 million (exclusive of GST) under the Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) stream for solutions that provide new mobile coverage in First Nations communities
• $15 million (exclusive of GST) under the Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream for solutions that enhance telecommunications infrastructure in First Nations communities.

As part of the Australian Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia (Better Connectivity Plan), funding to expand regional mobile coverage is available for a competitive grant Round 7 of the MBSP.

Applications for funding under the MBSP Round 7 are open to Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers. Applicants are strongly advised to consult with state, territory and local governments, and local communities on proposed solutions.