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 temporary infrastructure in Cardwell and Mission Beach.
The Optus Open mobile network has 24 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.
On Sunday evening (6 February 2011), Optus was able to provide mobile phone coverage to Cardwell and Mission Beach via two satellite portable base stations.
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.
| CAIRNS | The Optus mobile network is operational in 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 to restore power. |
| CARDWELL | The Optus mobile network is operational in Cardwell via a satellite portable base station. |
| TULLY | Optus has restored permanent mobile coverage to Tully. |
| MISSION BEACH AND DUNK ISLAND | The Optus mobile network is operational at Mission Beach via a satellite portable base station. |
| 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 has also made its Customer Service Trailer available to the local community in Cardwell to provide free voice calls via satellite phones to keep in touch with family and friends.
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 customers and media can visit www.optus.com.au/cyclone.
Media contact: Simone Bergholcs Optus Corporate Affairs Tel: (02) 8082 7846 / 8082 7850
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