GEELONG has among the highest number of mobile phone black spots in Australia, according to a Commonwealth Department of Communications list.
Federal member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said 136 black spots were reported to the department in her electorate.
The department listed 6000 black spots across Australia.
Geelong suburbs Newtown and Armstrong Creek were on the list.
Iconic Bellarine Peninsula towns like Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff also suffered.
The black spot list grew along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Rd, including Airey’s Inlet, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Bells Beach, Fairhaven, Lorne, Torquay and Jan Juc.
The Great Otway National Park and various coastal tourist routes also had dead spots.
Ms Henderson said she was lobbying for funding under the Federal Government’s $100 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
“As a strong local voice I am absolutely determined to stand up for communities and fight for better communications.”
Ms Henderson said she would meet communities to canvass concerns about communications issues, including broadband and fixed-line services.
“The Government expects that between 250 and 300 new mobile phone base stations will be built across Australia.
“In some cases, nominated locations are close to each other, meaning that one base station may be able to provide coverage to multiple locations.”
