Mobile phone and broadband services continue to be the major growth area of the Australian telecommunications market. Mobile use of the internet for business and personal use is a major influence in this growth.
At the time Australia’s population had reached 22.8 million (30 June 20111) there were 29.28 million mobile services (voice and data). Telstra reported recently that 4G data use for Australians was doubling every 4 months and the number of 4G customers had doubled in 6 months.
This is significant for all areas of Australia as the rapid growth is forecast to continue creating a digital divide for those areas where mobile connectivity is reduced or compromised compared with the capital cities.
RAPAD has engaged the Digital Economy Group to complete a Mobile Phone and Device Blackspots Connectivity Assessment for RAPAD. This includes the preparation of individual reports for the 5 local governments of:
- Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
- Winton Shire Council
- Boulia Shire Council
- Barcaldine Regional Council
- Longreach Regional Council
