Alpine Shire Council noted the findings of the Mobile Internet Adapting to Alpine Valley Capacity Issues and Beyond 2025 report and Action Plan for Digital Connectivity in Alpine Shire June 2026 at the August Ordinary Council Meeting.
The report and associated action plan identify issues with mobile coverage and capacity, with specific focus on network overloading in major townships, such as Bright, during periods of high visitation.
These documents were developed in response to a review of the Alpine Shire Telecommunications (Mobile and Internet) Strategy 2022, which audited the state of the network at the time and identified areas for future investment.
Key issues identified in the 2025 report include:
- Capacity over coverage due to surges in population during peak visitation periods;
- Single point vulnerability in Bright due to a dependency on a single tower located on Apex Hill;
- Rising device load, with average visitors using two or more internet-connected devices;
- Insufficient short-term rental connectivity, with accommodation providers offering internet access at outdated speeds; and
- Inadequate public Wi-Fi due to complexity and cost limitations.
The 2026 action plan was developed alongside the report to address infrastructure investment, strategic advocacy, and partnerships.
Alpine Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Gareth Graham, emphasised the importance of digital connectivity for the safety of both locals and visitors, as well as community and economic development.
"We are no strangers to issues with mobile coverage and capacity in Alpine Shire, which impacts locals, businesses, and services, and leaves us exposed to risk in times of emergency," he said.
"Telecommunications and internet connectivity is one of the advocacy items outlined in our Council Plan 2025-2029, which guides our work with the Australian and Victorian governments, the private sector, and community groups and organisations.
"We will use the Mobile Internet Adapting to Alpine Valley Capacity Issues and Beyond 2025 report and Action Plan for Digital Connectivity in Alpine Shire June 2026 to continue advocating for improved coverage and capacity to enhance connectivity across the entire region."
The 2022 strategy, 2025 report, and 2026 action plan can be accessed online by visiting https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community-services/sustainability/telecommunications-connectivity