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$15 million available to boost mobile resilience during disasters

September 13, 2023

Applications are now open for Round 2 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) to strengthen the resilience of mobile services across regional, rural and remote Australia. 

Up to $15 million is now available to help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mobile services – including for remote and First Nations communities. 

Resilience upgrades eligible for funding under the MNHP include: 

  • upgrading backup power capacity to a minimum of 12 hours at mobile sites; 

  • physically elevating infrastructure to protect it from floods; 

  • delivering emergency power solutions – like portable power generators – to rapidly restore services during or after a disaster; 

  • providing redundant backhaul so that sites have multiple connections to the network in case one goes down; and 

  • expanding protection zones around mobile sites to decrease bushfire risk. 

Funding for further rounds of the MHNP was included in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget as part of the government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. 

In total, the Federal Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications, which is the most significant investment in regional communications since the inception of the National Broadband Network. 

The MNHP is a key part of the government’s approach to communications resilience and disaster management, including the $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation initiative and the $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Initiative. 

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said: “Round 2 of the Mobile Networking Hardening Program will deliver resilience improvements in communities across the country.” 

“I strongly encourage communities and telecommunications providers to work together to identify potential projects, particularly those which are a priority to remote and First Nations communities.” 

Applications for Round 2 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program close on Friday, 17 November 2023. 

For more information on the Mobile Networking Hardening Program, visit the website.