New Telstra mobile coverage now available in South East South Australia
Residents and visitors to the Limestone Coast region are now enjoying improved mobile coverage and connectivity, with the launch of the first of 27 new Telstra mobile base stations under the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
This new site at Blackford near Kingston was built by Telstra as part of the Commonwealth Government’s RCP Round 3 program, with financial contributions from the Commonwealth Government, the South Australian Government, six local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association, and Telstra.
“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, and we see this every day in our network data,” said Shailin Sehgal, Telstra Group Executive, Global Networks & Technology.
“Co-investment programs like this, where carriers, governments, and industry work together are critical to delivering great connectivity outcomes and enabling all Australians to participate fully in the digital economy,” he said.
This South East SA project is one of the largest co-investment initiatives nationally, valued at $28 million, and will deliver 27 new mobile base stations across the Limestone Coast.
The region is home to more than 65,000 residents, responsible for 28% of SA’s forestry exports, 25% of the state’s dairy, and generates $1.3 billion in agricultural exports. Improved connectivity will support industries such as forestry, dairy, agriculture, and tourism, enhance emergency services, and improve access to health and education services.
The Malinauskas Labor Government contributed $5.5 million towards the ‘South East SA Project’ which will add more than 2,400 square kilometers of new 4G coverage, benefiting 1,842 new households, and improve connectivity for local communities, businesses, and visitors.
“This first new mobile base station at Blackford is an important milestone in a project which is delivering reliable and high-speed connectivity to residents across the Limestone Coast,” South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said.
“As a Limestone Coast resident myself, I know first hand the importance of delivering improved coverage and connectivity to the region.”
“Connectivity issues have long been raised by local residents and the Malinauskas Government is proud to be part of this important collaboration to deliver a solution which is essential for business, healthcare, education and community wellbeing.”
As part of RCP, Telstra is partnering with the Commonwealth Government to fund the construction or upgrade of 168 sites across 147 different telecommunications projects nationally. The projects range from transmission, coverage, and capacity upgrades plus construction of new macro or small cell mobile base stations in blackspot areas.
“As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this site is another example of our commitment,” Mr Sehgal said.
“Over the seven years to the end of FY25, Telstra has invested $12.4 billion in mobiles nationally, with $4.7 billion of this invested in regional areas. We also committed an additional $800 million earlier this year within our business-as-usual capex to extend our network leadership and deliver Australia’s most advanced, resilient and reliable 5G experience.”
Nationally Telstra has over 11,800 mobile base stations covering more than 3 million square kilometres, and provides coverage to 99.7 per cent of the Australian population.
For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp.
Telstra media contact:
Steve Carey - General Manager Media
M. +61 413988640
Media release number: 023/2025