TWENTY councils are expected to be part of an initiative that will improve mobile phone connectivity.
Loddon Shire councillors last week voted to support the digital connectivity project that has Newbridge listed as a priority.
Council will also contribute $1000 to the Telstra push across the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation and Murray River Group of Councils areas.
“Telstra’s project working group has the ambitious goal to source and provide significant funding for the project from local government and private partnerships,” said council CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald.
Securing $10 million from target groups will give Telstra the capacity to seek funding and support from both the New South Wales and Victorian State Government, as well as the Federal Government. Newbridge has been identified as a priority site under both the ‘New Coverage’ and ‘Depth of coverage’ categories. 
“Under ‘New Coverage the current area is recognised as having poor or no outdoor handheld device coverage. Newbridge falls under the ‘Depth of coverage’ category, where there is likely limited handheld outdoor coverage, but indoor coverage may not be consistent and would require use of additional equipment such as an off-air repeater system to improve indoor service.”
“The proposed mobile tower installation in Newbridge is expected to significantly improve digital connectivity for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency services.”
The project aims to contruct 29 towers in poor service areas, tourist and farm regions.