QUEENSLAND FLOODS - OPTUS NETWORK UPDATE, 4PM

As of 4pm today there has been limited impact to the Optus mobile network in the flood affected areas of Queensland. However, as the flooding situation is changing rapidly, some mobile sites are at risk due to power outages. Where possible, we have deployed backup generators in some locations throughout the flood affected areas to allow us to respond to power outages. Optus engineers continue to closely monitor the network during this period of excessive flooding in Queensland to minimise any impact on our customers. Toowoomba In Toowoomba and the surrounding area, Optus has three mobile towers at Helidon, Gatton and Gunters Hill that are currently without power. However voice and data services are still available as coverage to these towns is being supplemented by additional towers in the area. While Optus’ equipment at the Toowoomba exchange has not been affected, residential and business customers may experience a disruption to fixed services due to flood damage within their premises. Brisbane In Brisbane, Optus currently has minimal disruption to its mobile and fixed network infrastructure. However there is some congestion on the mobile network due to the high rate of calls within and surrounding the Brisbane CBD. Lockyer Valley Due to a loss of power within Mt Stradbroke our mobile towers within the Lockyer Valley are currently running on battery power. Due to the extreme flooding situation we are unable to access the area to install portable generators. It is likely that there will be a loss of mobile service to Optus customers within this area from this evening until we are able to deploy power generators onsite. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Should customers need to contact emergency services in the event of an Optus mobile service disruption, we encourage customers to call 112 from their mobile to be switched to the nearest available mobile network. Contact Information: Optus consumer customers should contact 133 937 with enquiries Optus SMB customers should contact 133 343 with enquiries