OPTUS NETWORK REMAINS RESILIENT DURING QLD AND NSW FLOODS

As of 4.30pm Tuesday afternoon Sydney time (29/01/2013), the Optus network continues to perform well in flood affected areas in QLD and NSW.

3G and 2G mobile and fixed broadband services are available from Rockhampton to Gympie. In addition, Optus mobile and fixed broadband services are now fully operational in Brisbane.

While the Optus network in major population centres throughout QLD and northern NSW is operational, there are still a limited number of mobile outages across Central and South East QLD regions due to power and transmission failures. These will continue to come back online overnight as technicians restore service in affected areas, and as power resumes.

The Optus mobile network in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Rockhampton is currently operating as normal with generators deployed. The Optus network team is monitoring these areas as a priority.

In NSW, Optus mobile coverage in Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Port Macquarie is currently unaffected, however there are four sites down across Lauriston, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. 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, “While the network is performing well across the state, there are still some coverage holes which our technicians are working to repair. We are therefore asking customers to be patient if they are unable to receive coverage.

“Optus consumer and small business customers impacted by the flood damage can divert their landlines to mobiles for free. We are also shipping extra SIMs, handsets and wireless modems to Optus ‘yes’ stores as a priority – if it’s safe to do so, visit a store in your area.”

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.

Media contact:
Claire Wong
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850