Optus has increased its mobile coverage in the Northern Rivers region building three new base stations to improve mobile call quality for local businesses and residents.

John Welch, Lismore Optus World franchisee said Optus has increased its capacity in Byron Bay's CBD and improved coverage in the Suffolk Park area as well as built a new base station at South Gundurimba, near Lismore and a new base station at East Ballina.

"Mobile phones are increasingly becoming an important part of our daily lives for keeping in contact with colleagues, customers, family and friends.

"In Australia, one in every three mobile phone users is an Optus customer so we are constantly increasing our coverage," he said.

'Optus' GSM mobile coverage has also been given a boost around South Lismore, the Lismore industrial area, the airport, Southern Cross University, as well was along the Bruxner Highway to Casino.

"In addition, over the next few months Optus is planning to increase coverage around Ballina and Lennox Head with a new base station at East Ballina," he said.

Mr Welch said there was always room for improvement and that Optus was working hard to priortise its building program to ensure adequate coverage throughout the region.

The Optus Mobile Network now reaches over 94 per cent of the Australian population. That means that over 17.8 million Australians now live in areas where they could use the Optus world-class network.

For more information media should contact:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Tel: 02 9342 5042