Mobile phone black spots to be fixed in regional SA, but remote north misses out

Living in a mobile black spot can have a devastating impact on locals trying to navigate an emergency situation, but new mobile towers in regional South Australia may fix that. Key points: Telstra will build eight new mobile towers and upgrade two base stations across regional SA The project will be delivered regardless of the federal election outcome Locals say the current mobile coverage is "not adequate" The federal government announced a number of mobile infrastructure projects across the state to be co-funded with "a range of partners" as part of the Regional Connectivity Program. Remote South Australians left behind Tourism operator Phil van Wegen lives in Marree — more than 350 kilometres from the nearest new tower at Pekina — and said the current mobile coverage was inadequate and dangerous. New mobile towers: Pekina Ceduna South Wirrulla Hill Gum Creek Lowan Wattle Range Parilla Greenways Upgraded towers: Oakden Vivonne Bay NBN upgrade: Lameroo Pinnaroo Mr van Wegen said the poor mobile coverage in the state's north was problematic in emergency situations. Opposition telecommunications spokesperson Michelle Rowland said a Labor federal government would invest $400 million to improve internet and mobile coverage, including an independent audit of current services.