First Black Springs, now Burraga gets a mobile phone boost

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee says a second Telstra small cell base station will be built in the region under the latest round of the Australian Government's Mobile Black Spot Program.

It follows Mr Gee announcing a small cell base station for Black Springs last year.

"Residents from Burraga have been pushing for mobile phone coverage for a long time," Mr Gee said of this latest announcement.

"It's important residents in our villages and small towns have the same connectivity opportunities as those who live in larger centres.

"This technology will assist locals in Burraga to access education services, conduct business, and to stay connected with family and friends.

"It's great that our smaller communities are getting connected."

Mr Gee said he looked forward "to working with Telstra" so the small cell base station installation could get underway "and the community can benefit from improved coverage".

"Mobile phone coverage can save lives in an emergency, but it also has a huge economic impact," he said.

"Tourists are more likely to visit an area that has coverage and potential new residents are also far more likely to move into a community that has connectivity.

"With a range of up to a few kilometres, small cell towers have proven to be particularly effective in connecting smaller communities such as Sofala and Wattle Flat.

"It will certainly allow the village of Burraga to be covered."