OPTUS COMMITS $8 MILLION TO IMPROVE MOBILE COVERAGE IN CAIRNS

Optus today revealed plans to spend an additional $8 million to further improve mobile phone coverage across the Cairns region over the next two years.

Fifteen new Optus mobile towers are planned for Cairns CBD, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Holloways Beach, Cairns Airport, Palm Cove, Kuranda, Brinsmead, Manoora, Mooroobool, Parramatta Park, Mt Sheridan Plaza, Centenary Park, Bungalow and James Cook University. The first of these towers was switched on at Parramatta Park last week.

Allen Lew, Optus’ Chief Executive Officer said this investment will increase Optus’ 4G coverage and performance in Cairns, 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 Cairns. Whether it’s helping small businesses or tourists stay connected, Optus recognises the importance of reliable mobile coverage to the local economy.”

“These new Optus towers will further improve mobile coverage throughout the region, making it easier for customers to make a call and connect to the internet. Cairns 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 27 mobile sites to 4G including Cairns CBD, Cairns Airport, Cairns Esplanade, Redlynch, Whitfield, Earlville, Manunda, Portsmith, Westcourt, Aeroglen, and Freshwater.

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

“The Optus network handles over 50 million calls, 65 million SMS messages and carries 6,000 terabytes of data every day. The growing demand for mobile coverage is why Optus is continuously raising the bar when it comes to improving mobile services in regional Australia,” Mr Lew said.