HAMILTON is one of more than 1000 locations across the country that will be safer thanks to improved mobile network resilience funded through the Federal Government’s Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP).

Hamilton’s Telstra station will be supported by a portable generator following the rollout of Round two of the MNHP.

The Program aims to reduce the risks of service outages during natural disasters and throughout the response and recovery period.

Round 2 of the MNHP is providing nearly $900,00 for 48 projects in Victoria that will deliver improved resilience.

Approximately 90 per cent of the 988 Round 1 MNHP projects to improve mobile network telecommunications infrastructure resilience are now complete. Round 2 funding brings the total number of projects to 1385.

The MNHP is part of the government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience.

The program is driving productivity, economic and social participation for rural, regional and First Nation’s communities and helping to narrow the digital divide.

Communications minister, Michelle Rowland said that while no telecommunications network could ever be 100 per cent disaster proof, the Government was reducing the risk of communications outages during natural disasters.

“More than 1000 projects to strengthen telecommunications resilience have now been funded under the Program,” she said.