HumeLink connectivity corridor delivers digital boost for regional communities in Australian first

As part of the HumeLink project in NSW, Transgrid, in partnership with Lumea, is installing telecommunications boosters on transmission towers to improve mobile and internet coverage along the 365km corridor – demonstrating how energy infrastructure can also help deliver digital connectivity.

The initiative is creating a connectivity corridor through regional NSW, boosting coverage for residents, businesses, motorists, tourists and emergency services while the project will also provide access to cleaner and cheaper renewable energy for consumers.

Lumea’s Head of Telecommunications Tim Stone said the HumeLink connectivity corridor could be a catalyst for Australia’s electricity networks to be utilised more broadly to address poor mobile coverage for regional communities.

“With Transgrid’s transmission network spanning more than 11,500km, using electricity infrastructure to support telecommunications coverage could help address connectivity gaps in regional communities across NSW and the ACT,” Mr Stone said.

“Major transmission projects are already transforming how electricity moves across the country and initiatives like this show how they can also play a role in strengthening digital connectivity for regional Australia.”

HumeLink will fund installation of up to 10 telecommunications boosters at locations across Cootamundra-Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan Shire and Yass Valley LGAs, helping to address long-standing mobile blackspots.

Boosters have already been installed at Myrtleville and Chatsbury in the Upper Lachlan Shire and Wyangle in the Snowy Valleys Council area. More boosters will be rolled out this year.

“As Australia builds the new transmission infrastructure needed to support renewable energy, there is an opportunity to think more broadly about how that infrastructure can benefit regional communities,” HumeLink Project Director Jeremy Roberts said.

“We’ve heard consistently from landholders and communities along the HumeLink alignment that poor mobile reception is a real challenge, so improving connectivity has been a priority for us.

“For some residents and businesses, this will mean having dependable coverage for the first time – allowing them to make calls, send messages and access online services without relying on patchy or inconsistent reception.

“It will also boost coverage for motorists, visitors and tourists travelling along regional roads and assist emergency services such as the NSW Rural Fire Service.

“Transmission towers already provide the height, power supply and geographic reach needed to support telecommunications equipment.

“By integrating mobile boosters with electricity infrastructure, we’re demonstrating how the energy transition can also help improve digital connectivity for rural and regional communities.”

Upper Lachlan Mayor Paul Culhane said he welcomed the HumeLink connectivity corridor to contribute to addressing the long-standing issue of poor mobile reception for parts of the region.

“These boosters are a welcome and practical improvement for local residents, landholders and anyone travelling through the area,” Councillor Culhane said.

“It’s encouraging to see HumeLink delivering some benefits for the community alongside the construction work, particularly where better connectivity supports safety and day-to-day life in regional NSW.”

The boosters capture mobile network signals from up to 20km away and redirect them to nearby communities up to a three-kilometre radius, depending on terrain.

Early testing at the first installed sites has already recorded mobile download speeds of around 30Mbps, delivering reliable connectivity in areas that previously experienced no reception.

Locations are identified following consideration of known telecommunications blackspots, community feedback and areas where improved coverage would support residents, motorists and emergency services. The boosters are being installed on a mix of existing and new towers along the HumeLink alignment.

HumeLink is one of Australia’s largest energy infrastructure projects, connecting Snowy 2.0 and other new renewable energy generation to the grid, increasing market competition and helping put downward pressure on electricity prices.

Media enquiries: Jaryd Ramsey – 0421 859 889