OPTUS SET TO BUILD 16 SITES IN VICTORIA TO IMPROVE COVERAGE IN BLACK SPOT AREAS

Optus working with State and Federal Government,  Optus to continue investment in Victoria.

Optus has confirmed it will be working with the Federal and State Government to build 16 new mobile sites across Victoria, as part of the Federal Government’s $60 million second round of funding for its Mobile Black Spots Program.

From the program nationally, Optus has secured $26.4 million in funding and will co-contribute a further $36.4 million to provide dedicated connectivity to thousands of Australians across 114 sites in regional and rural Australia. The program, which was co-funded by the Victorian Government, intends to drive greater competition and improve connectivity across regional and rural Australia.

In Victoria, allocated funding will be used by Optus to build 16 mobile base stations.

David Epstein, Vice President, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said, “Optus is pleased to be working with Federal and State Governments on the delivery of mobile services in regional and remote parts of Australia.  We thank all Governments for investing in such a crucial program which together with Optus’ ongoing mobile investment program, will ensure those living in remote and regional areas have access to reliable mobile coverage.”

“Real investment in regional and remote telecommunications services is the only sustainable way to improve competition, and strength and breadth of coverage in regional Australia. Optus has embarked on an extensive regional network investment program and today’s Mobile Black Spots announcement will supplement additional investment in regional telecommunications.”

“We have always placed significant value on network investment, particularly for regional areas of Australia seeking choice and competition. In the past year, we’ve deployed 60 new sites and made upgrades to 728 across Victoria, and look forward to continuing this investment,” said Mr Epstein.

Using the funding, Optus will build new mobile base stations in Victoria across:

For more information please contact:

Michelle Pacey/Steve Batten

Optus Corporate Affairs

P: (02) 8082 7850

E: media@optus.com.au