The Mobile Blackspot program is an Australian Commonwealth Government grants program funding the delivery of mobile telecommunications sites that aim to improve mobile digital connectivity across regional, rural, and remote Australia. Field Solutions has been awarded funding under MBSP5 to deliver two 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 six additional 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
MBSP5: FSG is extremely proud to have been the very first Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider under the Federal Government’s 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 5A – Mobile Network Infrastructure
State | Name | Site Status | Indicative Rollout Timeline |
NSW | Collymongle | Site now stood—power connection in progress. Optus will undertake the Deployment Code Activity and deploy mobile equipment on site. | June 2024 |
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. Power easement approval in progress. Optus to undertake Deployment Code activities. | June 2024 |
NSW | Borwon | Site now Stood. Power to be delivered to site. Optus to undertake Deployment Code Activity and deploy mobile equipment on site. | June 2024 |
NSW | Bullarah | Site now stood. Power connection in progress. Optus to undertake Deployment Code Activity and deploy mobile equipment on site. | June 2024 |
NSW | Tellegra | Site acquired. Construction to commence on site in Q1 2024. Optus will undertake the Deployment Code Activity and deploy mobile equipment on site. | June 2024 |
WA | Talbot | New site candidate identified, landholder agreement in place and DA being submitted. Accelerated site acquisition to commence. Optus to undertake Deployment Code Activity and deploy mobile equipment on site. Expecting delay on power delivery which we will try and work with Western Power to accelerate. | June 2024 |
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.
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 south east of St George at Kinsale and Nindigully.
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
FSG has completed the build, and the site is now broadcasting the FSG Regional Australia Network™. The FSG team has been putting the site through its paces and is pleased with the coverage and services, including the famous Nindigully Hotel. Shortly, both Optus and FSG engineering teams will hit the road and commence technical testing of the service – stay tuned for more details!
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 week commencing 19th Feb. Equipment being dispatched to region. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 |
QLD | Eulo | Site Survey completed, landholder agreement in place, Cultural heritage check complete, DA submitted to Paroo Council. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 | |
QLD | 4490020 | Waihora | Site is now stood. FSG R.A.N equipment to be deployed. New solar power array to be deployed week commencing 19th February. Equipment being dispatched to region. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 |
QLD | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Paroo Side | Site acquired and build scheduling underway. Towers delivered to Cunnamulla holding yard. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 | |
QLD | Cunnamulla to Thargo - Bullo Side | Site acquired and build scheduling underway. Towers delivered to Cunnamulla holding yard. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 | |
QLD | West Lake Bindegolly | Site under build. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 | |
QLD | Dynevor Downs | Site under build. | Active Neutral Host RAN | Jun-24 | |
NSW | KInsale | Site acquired. Build being scheduled. | 4G Roaming Site | TBC | |
NSW | TBC | Nindigully | Site built and under engineering testing. | 4G Roaming Site | Jun-24 |
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 Radio communications Infrastructure via the Radio frequency 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.
