Optus has switched on a new Satellite Small Cell site at Edith Falls 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 in Edith Falls, a popular tourist destination in the NT, will provide enhanced mobile coverage to a 23 sq km area, including 8 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.
Edith Falls in the Nitmiluk National Park is a popular tourist destination, and this site provide economic and social benefits to those living and working in, and travelling through this 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 Federal 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 mobile 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 yet another site switched on 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.
Having reliable access to communications is a necessity for people, which is why this Government continues to invest in regional communications. The Mobile Black Spot Program continues to make a difference in communities all across Australia and here at Edith Falls the program is providing increased coverage to roads, national parks and a popular tourist destination making the NT a safer place for everyone, 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
