Fix for VLine black spots

$18m phone tower upgrade

PASSENGERS on Geelong’s V/Line services will experience major improvements to mobile phone coverage thanks to an $18 million upgrade.

Previous black spots on regional lines, such as in less populated areas between Geelong and Melbourne, could be wiped out with the implementation of the Regional Rail Connectivity Project.

The State Government announced yesterday it will partner with Telstra, Vodafone and Optus to construct up to 35 new mobile towers as part of the project.

Those towers will be combined with cutting edge intrain technology to improve coverage for commuters.

While it is only the VLocity trains that are fitted with the boosters, Alex Wilson from Public Transport Victoria is confident the towers will provide next to full coverage for all other trains.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan is enthusiastic about the improvements for regional travellers.

“We’re investing billions of dollars in better services for regional passengers, and keeping people connected when they’re on board,” Ms Allan said.

While multiple coverage towers have already been erected, the cutting edge intrain technology will be fully fitted in all trains by this time next year.

The project is expected to contribute $20 million to the Victorian economy by boosting productivity for regional workers.

The technology was put to the test in a pilot run, and the results suggest that there will be a significant improvement on current mobile phone coverage, lifting it from less than 50 per cent in regional areas to near full coverage.

Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said the program was just one of the many the Government was delivering to make sure regional Victorians have the service they need to be connected, do business and stay safe during emergencies.

Alongside improvements to mobile phone connectivity, the Government also intends to help address the digital divide between regional Victoria and metropolitan areas through a separate $45 million project.

The Regional Rail Connectivity Project is being rolled out from the start of next year and will boost coverage along the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour lines.