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 – both of these are now built and Optus 4G is live. 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) and Mullengudgery now providing Optus 4G network coverage. Why not grab a Field Mobile SIM and experience the great coverage in the region and maybe compare it to your current provider to see which one goes the extra mile! FSG is extremely proud to have been the very first Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider under the Federal Governments Blackspot Program to deliver these towers which are now providing great coverage and service to the region using Optus 4G network.
Bundemar
Mullengudgery
Federal Government Blackspot Round 5 State RFNSA ID Site Name Status Indicative Rollout Timeline NSW 2823005 Gin Gin (Bundemar) Optus 4G (700MHz) now in service. Tower ready for other parties to co-locate on Live NSW 2825015 Mullengudgery Optus 4G (700MHz) now in service. Tower ready for other parties to co-locate on Live
Federal Government Blackspot Round 5A – Mobile Network Infrastructure
The team have made great in roads with support of landowners and local government to progress these sites. At the completion of build, Optus has committed to provide its 4G service from these towers. For the NSW sites, this will mean significantly enhanced mobile coverage between Moree and Walgett, Walgett and The Ridge. For those without an Optus connection, it will provide far greater access to emergency (000/112) calling in the event your current provider cannot provide service.
State | Name | Site Status | Indicative Rollout Timeline |
NSW | Collymongle | Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation ready. Construction plan complete. Towers ordered. Build certificate issued. Power assessment underway. Deployment Code for Optus services to commence. Build to commence Qtr 3 23. | Dec 23 |
NSW | Strathmore Road Dungalear | Site identified and access agreement underway with landholder. Coverage assessment complete and variation issued to Department now approved. Geotechnical assessment complete. Detailed design underway. Power design underway. | Dec 23 |
NSW | Borwon | Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation ready. Construction plan complete. Towers ordered. Build certificate received. Power design underway. Deployment Code for Optus services to commence. | Dec 23 |
NSW | Bullarah | Geotechnical assessment completed. For construction documentation ready. Construction plan complete. Towers ordered. Build certificate received. Power design underway. Deployment Code for Optus services to commence. | Dec 23 |
NSW | Tellegra | Landholder requested a move of the tower within same property. Revised design underway. Power assessment and design being revised. New geotechnical assessment ordered. Revised DA underway. | Dec 23 |
WA | Talbot | New site survey underway after landowner withdrew support. Variation to be submitted to council once new candidate is located. Detailed site candidate search now in progress. | Dec 23 |
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
St George, QLD
Nindigully, QLD
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.
Appletrees
The team are on the ground building out foundations and conduits for our new solar arrays, on site genny and outdoor cabinets. Our compound fencing is being extended and the team will be preparing to rig the tower equipment in the not too distant future.
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. Equipment being dispatched to region. | 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. We are currently responding to a native title claim as result of the Development Application. | 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. Equipment being dispatched to region. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-23 |
QLD | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Paroo Side | Site Identified. Legal negotiations 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 | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Bullo Side | Site Identified. Legal negotiations 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 Identified. Legal negotiations 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 | Dynevor Downs | Site Identified. Legal negotiations 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 | Due to objections for our proposal for new tower, FSG is reviewing its options here with the Commonwealth to shift the site to an area that will not be of concern to crop dusters in region. We expect there to be a delay to providing service and undertaking this trial. There is a plan to shift the site around 8km to the South West of this location. | 4G Roaming Site | TBC | |
NSW | TBC | Nindigully | Design completed. Geotechnical assessment completed. Site deployment underway with crews on ground. | 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.
