Optus has switched on a new Satellite Small Cell site at Bark Hut Inn in the Northern Territory as part of the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, providing extended Optus coverage to the area.
The Optus mobile site at Bark Hut Inn on the Arnhem Highway will provide enhanced mobile coverage to a 23 sq km area, including 14 kms of major roads.
Kent Wu Zeyi, Optus VP, Network Access, Strategy, Planning & Quality, said, Were thrilled to be able to offer our customers improved connectivity in the area. We know how important reliable internet access is for those across regional Australia.
Bark Hut Inn, on the western edge of Kakadu National Park is a popular tourist destination, and this site will provide economic and social benefits to those living and working in, and travelling through this remote area of the Northern Territory, he said.
Optus is committed to a more connected regional Australia, investing more in our network and communities. The investment in expanding Optus telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage in the Northern Territory is supported by the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program, and we recognise the work of the Australian Government, local businesses and communities for their support, he said.
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the new base station was part of the Liberal and Nationals Governments commitment to support regional Australia.
The Liberal and Nationals Governments priority is to provide all Australians with better access to reliable communication services, regardless of where they live. This 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.
This is just one of more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date, with over 998 of these base stations now on air, including 22 in the Northern Territory. I am delighted to see this rollout continue.
The Northern Territory has some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia, and what we want to do is to encourage people to visit this region more. Having improved coverage for parks like Kakadu will help people remain connected.
The Governments continued investment in regional communications through the Mobile Black Spot Program will also assist the NTs tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. With international borders set to reopen later this month we want to make sure the NT remains a premier destination for tourists, Minister McKenzie said.
Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its mobile network.
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.
Media queries:
Sarah Wolf, Optus Corporate Affairs
P: (02) 8082 7850
