Optus today announced plans for a five million dollar extension and upgrade of its mobile coverage along the Pacific Highway.

Eleven new mobile sites and facilities will be installed to extend network coverage, and thirteen existing sites will be upgraded to increase network capacity.

Allen Lew, Managing Director Optus Mobile, said the company was focused on enhancing and extending its global system for mobile (GSM) coverage along important roadways.

"Optus' continued investment in coverage takes competition and choice in mobile telephony further along the Pacific Highway in 24 locations.

"Eleven new mobile facilities will be installed at Burdekin's Gap, Cairns Cross, Clybucca, Cooranbong South, Karuah, Mount White North, North Asquith, Rainbow Flat, Tevan, Vincent's Lookout, and Wahroonga.

"In addition, thirteen existing sites - at Coolongolook, Coramba, Glenugie, Grafton, Halfway Creek, Kundabung, Middle Brother, Mount Yarrahapinni, Nambucca Heads, Tall Pines, Taree, Wallaroo Hill, and Woodburn - will be upgraded.

"The new sites and upgrades will be rolled out progressively over the coming months, and complement work recently completed at Chinderah, Valla Beach and Bulahdelah," Mr Lew said.

Local dealer, Joel Wrigley from Network Communications Taree, said Optus' plans to further improve its mobile coverage in the region extended choice and competition in mobile services.

"In addition to the Pacific Highway existing site upgrades at Coolongolook, Middle Brother and Taree, Optus plans to build new sites at Hallidays Point, Harrington, Old Bar, Tuncurry, and Wingham in coming months.

"This complements new mobile coverage recently installed at Elizabeth Beach and Bungwahl. Residents, business people and travellers along the coast can now enjoy the benefits of increased competition in mobile services, as a result of improved coverage," Mr Wrigley said.

For further information on Optus visit: www.optus.com.au

For more information:
Cathy Knezevic
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5302