OPTUS CONFIRMS ALL MAJOR CENTRES ARE OPERATIONAL IN QLD AND NSW

As of 9.00am Tuesday morning EST (29/01/2013), the Optus mobile network is operational in all major population centres throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales including mobile and fixed broadband services.

3G and 2G mobile and fixed broadband services are available in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone, Gympie and the Sunshine Coast.

While more sites have been restored overnight, there continues to be a limited number of mobile outages across Central and South East QLD regions due to power and transmission failures.

The Optus mobile network in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Rockhampton are currently operating as normal with generators deployed and with the Optus network team monitoring the areas as a priority due to the current flood situation.

In NSW, Optus mobile coverage in Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Port Macquarie are currently unaffected, but we are monitoring the situation as weather conditions continue to move across the state.

Optus continues to provide assistance to other telecommunications providers in restoring services in Central and North QLD.

Ms Sam Kennedy, Director Optus Queensland said, “Optus technicians have been working overnight to restore services and as power returns, a number of Optus fixed voice and broadband customers in Brisbane and Ipswich areas will begin to see services reinstated.

“While the majority of the network is operational, there will be some coverage holes which our technicians are working to repair, so we’re asking customers to be patient if they are unable to receive coverage.”

If you are experiencing a power outage at home, Ms Kennedy recommends keeping an eye on your smartphone battery levels.

“If your power is out, please think about conserving the battery life of your smartphone. Only use it when necessary, limit internet browsing unless it’s for updates from emergency services or news outlets, and switch off Bluetooth and any regular updates to apps as these can drain your battery.”

Optus has in place a number of financial assistance processes to support our customers. Anyone wishing to discuss these should contact Optus customer care on 133 937.

Optus is using Facebook (facebook.com/Optus) and twitter (twitter.com/Optus) as its primary communication channel for updating network status. Please refer to Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.

Notes to editor: We are currently distributing mobile phones to emergency services across these major centres. Should any media outlet require an emergency prepaid Optus phone, please contact the Optus media line (02 8082 7850) or if you can only make local calls please contact your nearest Optus store.

Media contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850