Optus acknowledges the traditional owners of this region, the Bungandidj (Boandik) people, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
Optus has switched on three new towers in the South East of South Australia as part of the Federal Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, providing our best-ever Optus coverage and connectivity in the Mypolonga, Legges Lane and Avenue Range communities.
The Mypolonga mobile tower which has been co-funded with Optus by the Federal and South Australian Governments will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 719 premises with 64 sq kms covered and 8 kms of major roads and railways. The Mypolonga tower will help those travelling through the Riverland stay connected.
The Legges Lane Optus mobile tower which has also been co-funded with Optus by the Federal and South Australian Governments will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 76 premises with 169 sq kms covered and 15 kms of major roads and railways.
The new Optus tower in Avenue Range has been co-funded with Optus as part of the Federal Governments program and will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 82 premises with 158 sq kms covered and 37 kms of major roads and railways.
Rob Seymour, Optus Territory General Manager for Regional South Australia, is proud to continue to provide mobile competition and choice to regional and rural South Australia.
Mr Seymour said, Were thrilled to be offering our customers with much-needed access to our network. We know how important reliable internet access is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever. This will provide our customers with greater communication for those living, working, and moving through the region by unlocking access to communication and will also help to facilitate contact with family and friends throughout the country.
The investment in expanding Optus telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is supported by the Federal Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, and we recognise the work of the Federal and State Governments, local businesses and communities for their support of this Program.
These new towers will also allow competition and choice for local businesses and residents by offering our best network ever at a great value. We are committed to giving our customers access to reliable mobile coverage and high-quality internet, added Mr. Seymour.
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the new towers was part of the Liberal and National Governments ongoing commitment to support regional Australia.
The Australian Governments priority is to provide Australians with better access to reliable and strong communication services, regardless of where they live, which is why we have committed $380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to strengthen coverage across regional and remote communities.
These are just three of more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date, including 71 in South Australia. I am delighted to see this rollout continue, Minister McKenzie said.
Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said the lack of mobile reception across many areas in Barker is the number one issue raised by constituents with him.
The new towers at Mypolonga, Legges Lane and Avenue Range will improve mobile coverage for people living, working and travelling in the region.
The improved coverage will provide residents and businesses, especially the valuable farmers across the area, with better connections to each other and secure a prosperous future for our community.
Mobile phone connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. There are estimated to be 499 blackspots across Barker which the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program is attempting to address, Mr Pasin said.
I am pleased to see that with the support of the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program, Optus has been able to erect towers at Mypolonga, Legges Lane and Avenue Range, and whilst these sites will address gaps in coverage for these communities, there is much more work to be done.
The needs of communities that continue to struggle to achieve mobile phone connectivity remains foremost in my considerations and my actions in Canberra, Mr Pasin said.
Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its mobile network with this new tower providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for residents and businesses.
Media queries:
Sarah Wolf, Optus Corporate Affairs
P: (02) 8082 7850
