As of 2pm AEDT today, there has been localised impact to the Optus mobile and fixed network in the cyclone affected areas of Queensland.
The Optus Open mobile network is currently operational in Cairns, Townsville and other regional centres including Ingham. Network capacity in these areas has been prioritised for voice calls and SMS. The Optus Open mobile network has 68 base stations impacted and a number of base stations are running off back up batteries or generators due to loss of power.
The Optus Reef Network which provides transmission for voice and data services between Brisbane and Cairns, has been affected between Townsville and Cairns due to loss of power. Our alternative redundancy transmission route to the area is unaffected.
At the request of emergency services Optus has utilised its satellite capability and moved resources to Ingham including its portable mobile base station to provide mobile and satellite phone services to the area.
Optus network engineers continue to assess any further impact to the Optus network in the affected areas and today they have deployed and refuelled backup generators in some locations via helicopter.
| 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 are currently unavailable due to loss of power. Optus engineers are endeavouring to reach Innisfail this afternoon to assess any damage and where possible restore service. |
| CARDWELL/TULLY/MISSION BEACH | Mobile services to these areas are currently unavailable due to loss of power. Optus engineers plan reach some of these areas this afternoon to assess any damage and where possible restore services. |
| INGHAM | Optus has restored permanent mobile coverage to Ingham this afternoon. |
| TOWNSVILLE | The Optus mobile network is operational to the majority of Townsville 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.
Optus will provide regular updates to its customer via the media, its website and social network channels. www.optus.com.au/cyclone www.twitter.com/optus www.facebook.com/optus
Media contacts: Simone Bergholcs/ Josh Drayton Optus Corporate Affairs Tel: (02) 80827850
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