The Mobile Blackspot program is an Australian Commonwealth Government grants program funding the delivery of mobile telecommunications sites which aim to improve mobile digital connectivity across regional, rural, and remote Australia. Field Solutions has been awarded funding under MBSP5 to deliver 2 sites that will support Optus 4G services. Under Round 5A of the MBSP, Field Solutions Group was awarded a further 6 sites to build that will facilitate Optus 4G services. In addition, Fields Solutions Group, in partnership with Optus, will undertake two key connectivity trials.
Project Deployment Timelines
Despite the many challenges faced, be it the weather or the theft of our earthing equipment, together with Optus’ contractors, we have Gin Gin (Bundemar) now providing Optus 4G network (under test) and Mullengudgery is now standing.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at govprograms@fieldsolutions-group.com, and one of the gang will get back to you.
Federal Government Blackspot Round 5 State RFNSA ID Site Name Status Indicative Rollout Timeline NSW 2823005 Gin Gin (Bundemar) Site is now stood and Optus 4G services are currently under test. Under testing NSW 2825015 Mullengudgery Structure stood. Power to be connected to site. Optus equipment is to be deployed in early February. March 2023
State Name Site Status Indicative Rollout Timeline NSW Collymongle Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation underway. Construction plan commenced June 23 NSW Strathmore Road Dungalear Site identified and access agreement underway with landholder. Coverage assessment of new location being reviewed with Optus June 23 NSW Borwon Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation underway. Construction plan commenced June 23 NSW Bullarah Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation underway. Construction plan commenced June 23 NSW Tellegra Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation underway. Construction plan commenced. Power assessment completed June 23 WA Talbot Site survey complete, heads of terms and site design in progress. Geotechnical assessment to be undertaken June 23
Federal Government Blackspot Round 5A – Mobile Network Infrastructure
MBSP5A Connectivity Trials with Optus
FSG is proud to be partnering with the Commonwealth Government and Optus under MBSP5A to conduct two connectivity trials in Western Queensland and Northwest New South Wales.
Under the program, FSG will build and operate its 4G Network (Regional Australia Network™) to undertake two trials:
- Active Neutral Host RAN – Delivery of one set of electronics and antennas on a site to facilitate coverage for the FSG Regional Australia Network™ and Optus 4G Network (Noting that capability would also be for Telstra, TPG, NBN Co and future Public Safety Broadband networks should they choose to participate in a trial). The trial will take place on a 196km stretch of the Adventure Way between Cunnamulla and Thargomindah in Queensland.
- Inbound Roaming – Ability for Optus mobile users to access the FSG Regional Australia Network™ and operate their mobiles for voice and data services
Active Neutral Host RAN Trial Proposed Coverage
Roaming Trial Area
Coverage Disclaimer: Coverage shown is indicative only and may be subject to change as site acquisition progresses. Local conditions such as terrain, vegetation whilst using a mobile device indoors or within a vehicle can impact the coverage your device receives and thus your ability to make and receive calls or use data.
State | RFNSA ID | Site Name | Status | Site Type | Indicative Rollout Timeline |
QLD | 4492016 | Thargomindah Town | Site is now stood. FSG R.A.N equipment to be deployed. New solar power array to be deployed. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 |
QLD | Eulo | Site Survey completed, sub-lease documents executed with QLD Government, Deployment Code to commence, Development Application submitted. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 | |
QLD | 4490020 | Waihora | Site is now stood. FSG R.A.N equipment to be deployed. New solar power array to be deployed. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 |
QLD | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Paroo Side | Site Identified. With QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads for Approval. Geotechnical assessment to be undertaken upon approval from DTMR. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 | |
QLD | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Bullo Side | Site Survey Completed. Design and acquisition underway. With QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads for Approval. Geotechnical assessment to be undertaken upon approval from DTMR. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 | |
QLD | West Lake Bindegolly | Site Survey Completed. Design underway, sub-lease document now executed, transfer of land to FSG now complete. Geotechnical assessment to be undertaken upon approval from DTMR. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 | |
QLD | Dynevor Downs | Site Survey Completed. Design and acquisition underway. With QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads for Approval. Geotechnical assessment to be undertaken upon approval from DTMR. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 | |
NSW | St George Cotton Shed | Design completed. Geotechnical assessment completed. Site acquisition now underway with development application submitted. | 4G Roaming Site | Jun-23 | |
NSW | 2411002 | Yamboon | Design completed. Geotechnical assessment completed. Site acquisition now underway with development application submitted. | 4G Roaming Site | Jun-23 |
The Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Industry Code is designed to:
- allow the community and councils to have greater participation in decisions made by Carriers when deploying mobile phone base stations; and
- provide greater transparency to local community and councils when a Carrier is planning, selecting sites for, installing and operating Mobile Phone Radiocommunications Infrastructure.
For further information on the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Industry Code, please click on the following link:
Communications Alliance – C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment (commsalliance.com.au)
As part of complying with the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, Field Solutions Group is also required to provide detailed information about any proposed Mobile Phone Radiocommunications Infrastructure via the Radiofrequency National Site Archive (RFNSA) website. Please follow the link below and enter the RFNSA Site ID number provided in the site lists above/below for detailed information.
