Labor has committed to matching the Coalition's promise to reduce mobile blackspots in Tasmania, saying improved infrastructure could save lives.
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Labor’s spokesman for regional communications Stephen Jones said mobile reception services in parts of Northern Tasmania would be prioritised under the national Mobile Black Spot program.
He said areas including Riverside and Nunamara would be targeted.
“Labor will not only match the Liberals’ federal election promises on mobile black spot funding, it will also improve the administration of the Mobile Black Spot program by giving priority to regional areas of Tasmania prone to natural disasters, like bushfires,” Mr Jones said.
Labor’s candidate for Bass, Ross Hart, said that the Coalition's plan had not been fulfilled and a number of key areas were still without adequate mobile service.
“Poor mobile coverage impacts families, students and small businesses in our region," Mr Hart said.
"We have a local economy that is dependent on tourism and retail so mobile phone coverage is vital."
Of the 499 mobile towers funded in round one of the Liberals’ Mobile Black Spot program, as of 4 May 2016 only 21 had been switched on.
