Mount Isa residents can now enjoy better Optus mobile coverage thanks to a new base station installed within the Mount Isa mine complex.

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

"Residents and visitors will notice improved Optus mobile coverage especially to the Mount Isa mine site as well as the central business district.

"The new base station will help to raise the signal level on mobiles for Optus customers in these areas and improve call quality," he said.

According to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) Performance Monitoring Bulletin for September quarter 2001, Optus has lower call congestion and call drop-out rates in Queensland than Telstra and Vodafone.

The ACA report also revealed that Optus' call drop-out rate is at its lowest rate ever in Queensland, 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