Optus has switched on a tower in Nildottie as part of the Liberal and Nationals Governments Mobile Black Spot Program. Co-funded by the South Australian State Government, the mobile tower will provide extended Optus coverage and connectivity for the local community.
The Optus mobile tower in Nildottie will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 197 premises in the local area, with 45 sq kms covered including 4.6km of major roads.
Rob Seymour, Optus Territory General Manager for regional South Australia is thrilled to be providing regional and rural South Australians with mobile competition and choice.
Were proud to be offering our customers with much-needed access to our fast 4G service. This tower will provide our customers with greater communication while living, working and driving through the region, by helping to facilitate contact with family and friends throughout the country," he said.
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 the local community."
The Nildottie 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 reliable mobile coverage and high-quality internet 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 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."
This is just another of more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date, with over 990 of these base stations now on air, including 66 in South Australia. I am delighted to see this rollout continue, Minister McKenzie said.
Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said the lack of mobile reception across many areas in Barker is the number one issue raised by constituents with him.
Mobile phone connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. There are estimated to be 499 blackspots across Barker which the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program is attempting to address. Mr Pasin said.
I am pleased to see that with the support of the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program, Optus has been able to erect a tower at Nildottie, and whilst this site will address gaps in coverage for this community, there is much more work to be done. Mr Pasin said.
The needs of communities that continue to struggle to achieve mobile phone connectivity remains foremost in my considerations and my actions in Canberra. Mr Pasin said.
SA Minister for Regional Development, Hon David Basham MP, said, Digital connectivity is vital for people living in regional South Australia for both safety as well as economic development.
It is why the Marshall Liberal Government established the $10 million Mobile Phone Black Spot Fund to assist in addressing mobile phone black spots which had been ignored by the previous Labor Government. To be able to switch on a tower at Nildottie is truly exciting for residents and businesses in the Murraylands, Minister Basham said.
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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