Optus has switched on a macro cell base station in Limekilns as part of the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program which the New South Wales State Government has also contributed funding towards. The new tower will provide our best Optus coverage to the township of Limekilns and the surrounding area.
The Optus macro cell base station will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 155 premises in the area with 135 sq kms covered. In addition, significant new and improved coverage will cover 90 kms of roads in the area, including the main access road, Limekilns Road and Mount Horrible Road that leads to the popular tourist destination, Winburndale Nature reserve.
Nicholas Gibson, Optus Territory General Manager for Regional Central New South Wales, said that Optus continues to provide mobile competition and choice to regional and rural New South Wales.
Mr Gibson said, Were thrilled to be able to offer our customers much-needed access to our fast 4G service. We know how important reliable internet access is for those living and working across regional Australia.
"This will provide 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 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.
The Limekilns Tower 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 more reliable mobile coverage and high-quality internet added Mr. Gibson.
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the new tower was part of the Liberal and Nationals 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.
This is just one of more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date, with more than 980 of these base stations now on air including 246 in New South Wales. I am delighted to see this rollout continue.
Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said the new tower will improve mobile coverage for local community members, and motivate more holiday-makers to explore the region.
Its fantastic news that, thanks to the new Optus macro cell base station, local residents in Limekilns wont be caught out with little to no mobile coverage when they need to make a call.
This new base station will ensure local residents and visitors to the area can easily pick up the phone to have a chat with their family and friends and conduct business.
With many adventure-seekers eyeing off a hike at Winburndale Nature Reserve, improving connectivity will encourage even more visitors to explore the area its great for locals and visitors alike.
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.
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