Archived Grant Opportunity View - GO6039

The Mobile Black Spot Program Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR) will implement the Australian Government’s 2022 election commitment to deliver funding to improve mobile connectivity in approximately 54 underserved Target Locations across regional and remote Australia. These Target Locations have been identified by the Government as having mobile connectivity issues which have not been addressed under previous rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).

Up to $40 million (GST exclusive) is available for the IMCR.

The IMCR will provide grant funding to mobile network operators and infrastructure providers to deploy new mobile phone infrastructure to address mobile reception and coverage issues in these Target Locations.

Funded solutions will address local mobile connectivity issues in each Target Location to address local mobile coverage or quality of service issues through targeted assessment criteria. In addition to addressing coverage issues in underserved communities, the IMCR also implements the Government’s commitment to addresses identified mobile coverage issues along targeted sections of major highways in NSW, WA and TAS to improve safety and boost connectivity during emergencies.

Improved mobile coverage and quality of service through the IMCR will help keep people connected, improve safety and support businesses so that nobody is held back or left behind from a lack of mobile connectivity.

To be eligible for funding under IMCR, an applicant must be a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or a Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider (MNIP), that has signed a non-disclosure agreement and (where relevant) has supplied the required network information in accordance with the Grant Guidelines.

A MNO means a company, other than a Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider, that supplies a public mobile telecommunications service within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 1997; and holds an apparatus or a spectrum licence (or both) for the supply of public mobile telecommunications services under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

A MNIP means a company, other than a MNO, that provides communications infrastructure in Australia or overseas, including the installation and operation of infrastructure to be used by one or more MNOs to provide public mobile telecommunications services. MNIP applications must be accompanied by written evidence of intent from at least one MNO to enter into a commercially binding commitment to use the infrastructure to deliver mobile services as described at section 4.2 of the Grant Guidelines for the Operational Period of the Proposed Solution. A grant may be awarded to eligible MNIPs on the condition that the MNIP and relevant MNO enter into a binding commercial commitment prior to the finalisation of the Grant Agreement.

Stage 1 – Release of the Guidelines and call for applications commences 2 February 2023.

Stage 2 – Potential applicants need to register their interest by 2 March 2023, and provide pre-application documentation, in accordance with section 7, Stage 2 of the Guidelines.

Stage 3 – Applications are due by 13 April 2023.

Stage 4 – Applications are assessed between April and June 2023.

Stage 5 – Grantees advised of outcomes and locations announced June - July 2023.

Stage 6 – Negotiation of Grant Agreements will occur From July 2023.

Stage 7 – Grantees will notify other mobile network operators of the ability to negotiate co-location arrangements From July 2023.

Stage 8 – Rollout completion is expected by 30 June 2025.

$40,000,000.00

Applicants must register interest with the Department (Guidelines Section 7, Stage 2) and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before gaining access to the Application pack.

Where applicable, each applicant must submit geospatial data of their existing coverage maps ahead of submitting their application for funding (refer section 7.3 of the Guidelines).

This information must be submitted by 5pm AEDT 2 March 2023.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm AEST 13 April 2023.

To increase the reach of the Program, applicants are encouraged to seek financial co-contributions from state, territory or local governments, local communities and/or other third parties.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with state, territory and local governments, and local communities regarding the locations for which they intend to build Proposed Solutions.