Latest Announcement
Queensland Cyclone Yasi — Network Update 3pm AEDT
08 Feb 2011
As of 3pm AEDT today, the Optus mobile network in the cyclone affected areas of Queensland is operational in Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and other regional centres including permanent restoration to Tully South, Mission Beach and Dunk Island infrastructure.
Optus network engineers have restored 80 of the 87 Optus mobile sites affected by Cyclone Yasi — the remaining 7 sites are still impacted due to loss of power or access.
The site at Cardwell continues to provide temporary mobile coverage via a satellite portable base station.
Network capacity in the cyclone affected areas of Queensland has been prioritised for voice calls and SMS.
The Optus Reef Network which provides transmission for voice and data services between Brisbane and Cairns, is fully operational but some sites continue to be supported by local power generators due to loss of mains power.Optus’ alternative redundancy transmission route to the area remains unaffected.
Optus announced its assistance package for personal and small business customers affected by Cyclone Yasi on Friday, 4 February 2011. The package includes free call diversions from an Optus fixed home phone to any mobile or fixed number; extended timeframes for bill payment; bill waivers in instances of extreme financial hardship on a case-by-case basis and no service reconnection fees within the next 12 months.
Also, Optus staff have been on the ground working with the local community at Evacuations Centres in Cardwell, Mission Beach, Cairns, Ingham, Tully and Innisfail distributing over 400 pre-paid Optus handsets loaded with $600 of value. These mobile handsets have been provided to residents who no longer have access to telecommunication services regardless of whether they are an Optus customer.
Media Releases
Consumer Customers - 133 937
SMB Customers - 133 343
For information on assistance which Optus is providing, please click here.
