Tenders open for rural networks upgrade

The state government is calling for tenders for a $39.2 million upgrade of regional mobile telecommunications and radio networks.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said an assessment of Western Australia's telecommunications needs indicated a low level of mobile telephone and broadband internet coverage in regional Western Australia.

"The tender proposals must outline how the telecommunications carriers will deliver mobile voice and broadband data communications to the greatest possible number of coverage locations," Mr Grylls said in a statement.

"The shortcomings of mobile telephone coverage on the state's major regional highways need to be improved not only for mobile telephone but also for radio communications coverage, which is essential for our police and emergency services, business and recreational purposes.

"The selection of tower locations will need to integrate with existing mobile communications network infrastructure."

Science and Innovation Minister John Day said the Royalties for Regions-funded Regional Mobile Communications Project was a significant investment for the state.

"The RMCP was a key part of the 2010-11 state budget with an allocation of $120.3million over three years to expand mobile telephone coverage on the state's major regional highways and to address black spots."

Tenders for the project close May 5.