As of 1pm AEDT today, the Optus mobile network in the cyclone affected areas of Queensland is currently operational in Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and other regional centres including Ingham and Tully with more than 20 mobile base stations being restored in the last 24 hours.
The Optus Open mobile network has 30 base stations impacted between Cairns and Mackay - a number of base stations are running off back up batteries or generators due to loss of power.
At the request of Emergency Services and the local community priority is being given to restoring mobile services today via satellite portable base stations to the town of Mission Beach. A second satellite portable mobile base station will arrive at Mission Beach by Sunday evening. Further assistance is being provided to Emergency Service and Police by supplying satellite phones in the local area.
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 power generator 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 has also been working with the local community at Evacuations Centres in Ingham, Tully and Innisfail distributing pre-paid Optus handsets loaded with $600 of credit. These mobile handsets have been provided to residents who no longer have access to telecommunication services regardless of whether they are an Optus customer.
| CAIRNS | The Optus mobile network is operational to the majority of Cairns though there are individual base stations unavailable due to power loss. Optus engineers are currently on the ground to restore services as quickly as possible. |
| INNISFAIL | Mobile services to Innisfail have been restored with a generator being installed restore power. |
| CARDWELL | Mobile services to these areas are currently unavailable due to loss of power. Optus engineers plan to Sunday to assess any damage and where possible restore services. |
| TULLY | Optus has restored permanent mobile coverage to Tully on Saturday 5 February |
| MISSION BEACH/DUNK ISLAND | Mobile services to these areas are currently unavailable due to loss of power. Optus engineers are working with local Emergency Services to assess damage and restore services as a priority on Sunday 6 February via a satellite portable mobile base. |
| INGHAM | Optus has restored permanent mobile coverage to Ingham. |
| TOWNSVILLE AND MAGNETIC ISLAND | The Optus mobile network is operational to the majority of Townsville, including Magnetic Island though there are individual base stations unavailable due to power loss. |
| AYR | The Optus mobile network is operational in Ayr, though there are individual base stations unavailable due to power loss. |
Optus will also be making available its portable Internet Kiosk and Customer Service Trailer to provide free communication services for the local community to keep in touch with family and friends in. These facilities include satellite phones for free voice calls and laptop computers with free internet access.
There will also be mobile phone chargers within the Customer Service Trailer so people can recharge their phones in the event of power outages. These facilities are currently in Ingham and will be moved to the most appropriate locations based on consultation with local emergency services.
Optus customer service centres will provide additional assistance for our residential and small business customers. Fault and technical support is available 24/7.
For Optus Customer Care please contact 133 937 Small Business customers can contact 133 343.
For more information customer and media can visit www.optus.com.au/cyclone, www.twitter.com/optus and www.facebook.com/optus
Media contacts: Simone Bergholcs Optus Corporate Affairs Tel: (02) 8082 7846 / 80827850
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