OPTUS COMMITS $5 MILLION TO IMPROVE MOBILE COVERAGE IN TOWNSVILLE

Optus today revealed plans to spend an additional $5 million to further improve mobile phone coverage across the Townsville region over the next two years.

Twelve new towers are planned for The Strand, Townsville Airport, Garbutt, Black River, Alice River, Rangewood, Bohle Plains, Thuringowa Central, Annandale Central Shopping Centre, Annandale North, Nome and Saunders Beach.

Last week, Optus turned on new towers in the Townsville Central Business District and Castletown Shopping Centre, improving mobile coverage to key commercial districts within Townsville.

Optus will also invest a further $6 million to improve services along Flinders Highway with new towers to be built along the stretch of highway between Charters Towers and Cloncurry at Williams River, Julia Creek, Nonda, Richmond, Hughenden, Marathon, Prairie, Torrens Creek, Pentland, Homestead and Balfes Creek.

Allen Lew, Optus’ Chief Executive Officer said this investment will increase Optus’ 4G coverage and performance in Townsville, making it possible for more customers to have the reliable mobile coverage they need.

“We understand the need for better mobile coverage for people living, working, and visiting Townsville. Whether it’s helping small businesses or tourists stay connected, Optus recognises the importance of reliable mobile coverage to the local economy,” said Mr Lew.

“These new towers will further improve mobile coverage through the region, making it easier for customers to make a call and connect to the internet. Townsville is one of hundreds of regional areas enjoying the benefits of Optus’ superfast 4G Plus network, which now reaches 95.7% of Australians.”

Today’s announcement follows the $3 million investment Optus has made over the past two years, to upgrade 29 mobile sites to 4G including Yarrawonga, Garbutt, Hermit Park, Stockland Stadium, Bluewater Park, Kirwan, Douglas, Wulguru, Kelso, Kirwan, Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

These network enhancements have expanded Optus’ 4G data coverage, increased download speeds and improved mobile voice quality for the Townsville region.

“The Optus network handles over 50 million calls, 65 million SMS messages, and carries 600 terabytes of data every day. This growing demand for mobile services is why Optus is continuously raising the bar when it comes to improving mobile coverage in regional Australia,” Mr Lew said.