Residents in rural areas around Jamberoo are set to benefit from improved mobile phone coverage thanks to new infrastructure set to be built by Waveconn. A mobile tower, to be located in Minnamurra Lane, just north of Jamberoo village, is expected to be completed by 2025.

The project is part of a national initiative, with the new tower being one of 47 mobile solutions funded under Round 2 of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP), announced earlier this month. The program aims to enhance mobile connectivity in areas prone to bushfires and other natural disasters.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, has welcomed the funding, noting that it will provide a significant boost to mobile service for residents, businesses, and visitors in the region.

"These areas have traditionally been underserved due to the high costs of infrastructure, challenging terrain, and lower population densities," Mrs Phillips said. "This new tower will help keep families connected, support local businesses, and bridge the digital divide in Jamberoo."

She also highlighted her efforts to improve mobile coverage across the Gilmore electorate, adding that the new infrastructure would be a welcome addition for the community.

PUMP, which complements the Mobile Black Spot Program, provides grants to mobile network operators and infrastructure providers to tackle long-standing mobile reception issues in peri-urban areas like Jamberoo and Wollongong. So far, the Australian Government has committed $69.1 million towards improving coverage at 97 sites under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program.

The rollout schedule for the new mobile solutions will be published once contracts are finalised.