Optus base stations in rural and regional Australia have carried over 13.5 million calls
Optus has switched on its 100th Mobile Black Spot site at Boreen Point, delivering much needed coverage and connectivity to the Shire of Noosa by partnering with the Queensland Government as part of the Federal Governments Mobile Black Spot Program.
Co-located on an existing tower along Lake Flat Road, the site will provide coverage to Boreen Point and surrounds, including the popular sailing and fishing spot of Lake Cootharaba. More than 640 homes will now be able to connect to reliable Optus mobile reception for the first time, providing them with the ability to make and receive calls, texts and browse the internet.
Additionally, more than 80 square kilometres of area surrounding the site will receive brand new Optus coverage, as well as 11 kilometres of new road coverage along sections of Louis Bazza Drive, Junction Road, McKinnon Drive and Cootharaba Road.
Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs said, Its fantastic to be celebrating the milestone of our 100th Mobile Black Spot site by announcing first time coverage in Boreen Point, the gateway to some of Noosas most vibrant holiday attractions.
Being an area frequented by tourists and locals alike, especially with Queenslanders taking advantage of holidaying within their own sunshine state, we are thrilled to make sure those in the area have the coverage in place to not only access reliable connectivity, but be able to share their adventures with family and friends even faster.
The Governments lead in the Mobile Black Spot Program, combined with specific regional investment by Optus is certainly being met with a welcomed response by rural and remote communities. Not only is Boreen Point our 100th Federal mobile black spot site in Australia, but it is also the 25th to be completed in Queensland since Optus joined the Governments program.
Optus, together with the Federal and State Governments will deliver a total of 47 Mobile Black Spot sites across Queensland.
We know how important access to reliable mobile coverage is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever. Competition is not only essential for the economy, but also great for the community, with this new site providing customers with better choice and value.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, welcomed the milestone, and said the Government was committed to expanding mobile coverage across regional Australia.
Were investing $380 million in improved network infrastructure so people across Australia including those living in or visiting Boreen Point can rely on high quality mobile services to conduct business, study and stay in touch with family and friends, Minister Fletcher said.
Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP said the Program was continuing to improve the lives of rural and remote Australians.
Reliable mobile coverage has never been more important. Weve seen an increased need for coverage during COVID-19 for a range of uses, including telehealth, accessing education and keeping in touch with family and friends and this program is delivering on its purpose of more coverage, Minister Coulton said.
More than 860, of the 1229, base stations funded under the Program are now on air enabling regional Australians to be better connected.
Optus continues to invest in its network to improve coverage, reliability and speed across its Australian mobile network, with first time coverage in Boreen Point providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for local residents and businesses.
Optus tower in regional Australia
