Optus has switched on the Jenolan Caves Road mobile phone tower at Lowther, delivering much needed mobile coverage and connectivity to the region as part of the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program.
The Optus mobile tower, located at 1296 Jenolan Caves Road, will provide enhanced mobile coverage to homes in the area and 37kms of major connecting regional roads.
Optus Territory General Manager for Central New South Wales Nicholas Gibson said, We know how important reliable access is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever.
Were proud to not only be enabling greater safety for those in Lowther with access to vital communications, but also helping to provide valuable opportunities for the local community and access to the same resources as the rest of Australia.
The Jenolan Caves Road tower will provide our customers with much-needed access to our fast 4G service, providing optimal speeds for streaming and downloading to users who live, work and travel in the region. It will also allow competition and choice for local businesses and residents, by offering our best network ever at great value, continued Mr Gibson.
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the base station would provide an essential upgrade to local connectivity.
The priority for the Liberals and Nationals Government 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.
To date the Program has funded over 1270 new mobile base stations, with 950 of these sites now on air. This will provide residents with better access to education services, help them stay connected to loved ones and essential services, while helping local businesses grow.
Federal Member for Calare, the Hon Andrew Gee, said improved connectivity would support residents in everyday life and during emergencies, and also encourage visitors to explore the region.
Its important residents in our villages and small towns have the same connectivity opportunities as those who live in larger centres. This technology will assist locals in Lowther to access education services, conduct business, and to stay connected with family and friends, Minister Gee said.
Lack of mobile coverage for the Lowther area has been a source of community angst for many years, and locals in the area have been united in their effort to fix the problem.
Mobile phone coverage can save lives in an emergency. This new phone tower will improve the safety of the Lowther community and visitors to the area, ensuring people can easily access emergency services when needed.
Improving mobile and data services also has a huge economic impact. Tourists are more likely to visit an area that has coverage and potential new residents are also far more likely to move into a community that has connectivity.
Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its Australian mobile network, with the Jenolan Caves Road tower providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for local Lowther residents and businesses.
