Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced the NSW government will fix 795 mobile phone black spots in regional communities to make it easier for residents to stay connected.

Communities in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires including Towamba, Nethercote, Bodalla, Nelligen and Central Tilba will benefit from new mobile network towers, to eliminate some of worst local black spots, Mr Constance said.

“Today’s announcement delivers a key election commitment for residents who deserve a first class mobile coverage, which is critical for people living outside major cities who need access to emergency services.

“The installation of the new mobile network towers is so important for regional communities such as ours,” Mr Constance said.

Both Telstra and Vodafone are participating in the program that will see new towers built or existing towers upgraded within the next three years.

The allocation of funds follows community nomination of mobile black spots and in all around 1800 in NSW were nominated.

The NSW government’s investment of $24 million, along with $28 million of federal government funding will be added to a contribution from the networks, and will result in a total investment of $92 million for the 795 black spots to be fixed in this current round of funding.

Mr Constance said: "I am pleased that the NSW government has worked closely with the Commonwealth government to maximise the amount of funding available – which will in turn maximise the impact of this program to provide new and improved mobile coverage in our local communities that need it most.”

The investment will improve coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and locations prone to experiencing natural disasters, with funding to be rolled out over a three-year period.

Story first appeared on Merimbula News Weekly website.