The base station was funded under round two of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Mr Joyce said mobile coverage for the New England Electorate is something he has worked hard for.

The Pinkett tower will bring the total towers for the Electorate to 36 since I was elected the MP,” he said.

“Round two of the Mobile Black Spots Program will deliver new or upgraded coverage to the region including major transport routes.

“I’m proud to be delivering better mobile coverage to the New England Electorate.” 

Mr Joyce said including co-contributions from carriers and state governments, round two of the program represents a total new investment of $213 million towards improved mobile coverage.

“The locations for round two of the Mobile Black Spot Program were selected following an appeal to the public to nominate black spots,” he said.

“The new base stations in the New England Electorate are due to the efforts of the community in identifying black spot locations and advocating for them to be fixed.”

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the State Government’s investment of $15 million into round two of the Federal Mobile Blackspot Program contributed to the improvements in network coverage.

“I am absolutely delighted to see these troublesome mobile blackspots receiving new towers under the second round,” Mr Marshall said.

“This is a great example of State and Federal Governments and the private sector working together to improve access to the network for country people and maximise the number of towers that could be built.

“These towers will greatly enhance safety and the ability for people in our region to go about their daily lives and business activities.”

Telstra Area General Manager Mike Marom said Telstra was committed to improving mobile services in rural and regional Australia over the next four to five years.

“As the carrier with the nation’s largest mobile footprint we know that increased coverage is the number one priority for people and businesses in regional Australia,” he said.

“We are excited to now be delivering coverage to even more communities like  Pinkett and the Glen Innes Severn area.

“The improved coverage will increase access to new technologies for key regional sectors like agriculture, transport and tourism – technologies which rely on a fast, reliable and affordable mobile network.”