Optus has switched on a satellite small cell tower in Nepabunna as part of the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, providing extended Optus coverage to the area and connectivity to the community.
The Optus satellite small cell base station in Nepabunna will provide Optus fast 4G service to the remote township, which previously received no mobile coverage from any mobile network operator.
The tower will offer mobile coverage to 34 premises with 18.5 sq kms covered, including 6 kms of major roads including a section of the Gammon Ranges Road leading to Arkaroola, as well as those living, working and travelling through the popular tourist area of the Flinders and Gammon Ranges.
Rob Seymour, Optus Territory General Manager for regional South Australia is thrilled to be providing regional and rural South Australians with much needed access to fast 4G services.
We know how important reliable internet access is for those living and working across regional Australia and are thrilled to be providing our customers with greater connectivity while living, working and driving through the region by unlocking access to communication and helping to facilitate contact with family and friends throughout the country.
The investment in expanding Optus telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is supported by the Australian 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, added Mr Seymour.
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the new tower was part of the Liberal and National Governments commitment to support regional areas.
The Liberal and Nationals Governments priority is to provide Australians with better access to reliable communication services, which is why we have committed $380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote communities, Minister McKenzie said.
The Nepabunna site is just one of more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date. There are now more than 985 of these base stations on air, including 63 in South Australia, supporting many residents, businesses, and communities in the state and across the country.
Federal Member for Grey, Mr Rowan Ramsey MP, said the new tower would bring a number of benefits to residents and visitors alike.
This is a fantastic region for tourism and improvements like these can really encourage people to not just visit, but to return, Mr Ramsey said.
Whether its calling home to loved ones to supporting local business to improving access to reliable coverage in an emergency, this investment will help the region reach its potential.
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.
ABOUT THE MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM
The Mobile Black Spot Program is an Australian Government initiative to improve and extend mobile phone coverage and increase competition in regional and remote Australia.
The Australian Government has committed $380 million to this Program, which has been supported by State Governments, local governments, businesses, community organisations and telecommunications providers.
As part of the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, Optus has been awarded funding for 256 sites in regional and remote parts of Australia.
