RURAL blackspot safety fears has forced Comet Solutions co-founder Andrew Mangano into action.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the telecommunication industry, Mr Mangano said working in the Wheatbelt he found little coverage and not much action.
He partnered with Jim Dando in 2016 to create a outdoor large booster solution, providing a bigger coverage area for farmers.
“For years I was working in the Wheatbelt and I heard the screams of people asking for help as there was little coverage in remote areas,” Mr Mangano said.
“The bush needs to be looked after and people are in desperate need of coverage.”
Mr Mangano said having unreliable mobile phone coverage when working in isolation was a safety issue.
“We have trialled our approved booster with Jennacubbine farmer (and local MP) Darren West,” he said.
“It provides service to areas in the workshops, where people work often in isolation and in case of emergency need to be able to call someone.
“Where a normal booster operates in the home, this booster system is designed for the outdoors, in workshops, vehicles or a small area on the farm.”
Mr Mangano said the “niche solution” amplified the 3G and 4G signals.
“I saw a real need, farmers wanted a solution and no-one was doing anything about it,” he said.
“The trials have been successful, with a few tweaks.”
Mr West, who was elected an Agricultural Region MP, said the technology was a game changer for rural Western Australia.
“We had a weak signal around our house and sheds before, but with the technology we had about four bars of signal within 300 metres,” Mr West said.
“For most of us right on the fringe of service it is frustrating trying to make a call or send a text. With new towers going in, that fills in the gaps, but government doesn’t have enough money to help fund the whole area, so this is a good option for those farmers.”
Australia’s blackspot concerns has seen the introduction of a range of possible solutions, including the proposal for mobile roaming services.
A proposal for networks to share mobile service providers has hit a snag earlier this month.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its draft decision proposing not to declare a wholesale domestic mobile roaming service.