An investment by the Tasmanian Liberal Government will help keep visitors and locals stay connected this summer.
The Government has worked closely with East Coast Tasmania Tourism to deliver a temporary 4G Telstra Cell on Wheels that will be based at St Helens from December 15 to January 30.
Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff, said St Helens booms over the summer and this investment will ensure the community can go about their business uninterrupted.
"Our Government's investment in a Telstra Cell on Wheels will take pressure off the main tower during the holidays, ensuring visitors, locals and businesses can stay connected," Premier Rockliff said.
"We know St Helens is a hotspot over the summer period and this investment will ensure visitors can use Google Maps, research the fantastic eateries and activities in the region, and much more.
"Boosting connectivity in St Helens is also important for businesses in St Helens which use Wi-Fi for payments and other systems."
East Coast Tasmania Tourism CEO, Grace Keath, said the initiative is a welcome boost for the region.
"This investment ensures our visitors and local community can stay connected during one of our busiest periods, enhancing their experience on the East Coast," Ms. Keath said.
"Reliable connectivity is vital for visitors to access travel information, plan their adventures, and share their experiences, while also supporting local businesses to thrive during the peak season."
The 4G Telstra Cell on Wheels will boost connectivity within a kilometre radius, deliver a 175 per cent increase in mobile capacity, better connectivity indoors, faster data and enhanced accessibility for making voice calls.
Telstra Tasmania's Regional General Manager, Michael Patterson, said in addition to the temporary Cell on Wheels, Telstra will also soon deliver a permanent boost to connectivity in St Helens with a 4G small cell to be installed in town, delivering improved capacity and coverage in the town.
"Over the past five years to the end of FY24, network traffic on Telstra's mobile network has increased by approximately 3.5 times and continues to grow by 20 per cent per annum. Improving capacity in St Helens will help cater to this growing demand, particularly during busy holiday periods," Mr Patterson said.
"Co-investment programs such as this, where carriers like Telstra and the government work together to share the cost in bringing improved coverage in regional and rural locations, are really important in helping deliver great connectivity outcomes."
Break O'Day Council Deputy Mayor Kristi Chappel said we are very grateful for this opportunity for our community in particular businesses to alleviate the pressures on our network during this busy time.
"Thank you to East Coast Tourism, Telstra and State Government for this collaboration," the Deputy Mayor said.
Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy, Madeleine Ogilvie said the Tasmanian Government understands that our iconic and beautiful East Coast is better enjoyed with digital connectivity.
"We are delighted to continue work with our telecommunications providers to deliver this local solution," Minister Ogilvie said.
The Government is keeping our regions strong, investing in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and doing what matters for Tasmanians as part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
