Optus has increased its mobile phone coverage in the Northern Territory, bringing eight new base stations online since March 2000.

Matti Urvet, Manager Northern Territory, said Optus has increased its capacity in Darwin and Alice Springs as well as regional expansion in Tennant Creek.

"Optus is continually investing in its Northern Territory mobile network to bring the 'top end' better mobile coverage.

"In addition to increased coverage, Optus's focus is on continuous improvement to call quality, which means reducing call congestion and call drop-outs," he said.

According to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) Performance Monitoring Bulletin March 2001, Optus has the lowest call congestion rate in the Northern Territory when compared with other carriers.

"Mobile phones are increasingly becoming an important part of our daily lives for keeping in contact with colleagues, customers, family and friends - that's why Optus is focused on improving coverage," Mr Urvet said.

"Optus is building more base stations so our customers can use their mobiles in more places around the Territory."

Optus mobile coverage has been improved at Palmerston, Jabiru, Nightcliff, East Arm, Berrimah, Larrakeyah, Woodroffe and Winnellie.

There are plans for four more base stations to be installed throughout the Northern Territory in the next year including Yulara, Berrimah North, Katherine Central Business District and Nhulunbuy.

With 3.7 million mobile customers, a third of the nation's mobile subscribers are using the Optus network.

For more information visit Optus's Network Coverage.

For more information contact:
Donna Clatworthy
Cable & Wireless Optus
Tel: 02 9342 8343