Why has the list of towns been reduced from the list originally announced?
The list of towns originally announced by the Minister in May 2001 has been amended to reflect changes in coverage information provided by the carriers. Some towns have also received coverage through other Government telecommunications funding programs such as Networking the Nation. 132 out of 136 eligible towns will be receiving mobile phone coverage. The Government is currently investigating alternative telecommunications solutions for the other four very remote and consequently high-cost towns–Galiwinku, Maningrida, Milingimbi, and Port Keats.
