Geelong residents and visitors can now enjoy better Optus mobile coverage thanks to two new base stations installed at Grovedale South and Breakwater North.

Keir Preedy, Director Mobile Networks Systems and Programs, said Optus is enthusiastic about improving the reach and quality of its mobile service in Victoria.

"Residents and visitors will notice improved Optus mobile coverage and better call quality in Geelong especially along parts of the Princess Highway, South Valley Road, Town and Country Shopping Centre and surrounding areas.

"We are pleased that the new base station has helped improve coverage in what was known as a mobile 'black spot' in the Grovedale South area.

"The new Breakwater North base station will improve mobile signals to areas in Geelong South. We are sure Optus users in the Geelong area will notice the difference," Mr Preedy said.

In addition, Optus plans to upgrade existing equipment in and around Geelong to provide additional mobile capacity.

According to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) Performance Monitoring Bulletin for September quarter 2001, Optus has a lower call congestion rate in Victoria than Telstra and Vodafone.

The ACA report also revealed that Optus' call drop-out rate is at its lowest rate ever in Victoria, ensuring better call quality for our customers.

With 3.9 million mobile customers, a third of the nation's mobile subscribers are using the Optus network.

For more information visit Optus' Network Coverage.

For more information contact:
Donna Clatworthy
Optus Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 8343