OPTUS SET TO BUILD 18 SITES IN NSW TO IMPROVE COVERAGE IN BLACK SPOT AREAS

Optus working with State and Federal Government to co-invest in new sites,  continues investment in NSW

Optus has confirmed it will be working with the Federal and State Government to build 18 new mobile sites across New South Wales, as part of the Federal Government’s $60 million second round of funding for its Mobile Black Spots Program.

From the progam 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 New South Wales Government, intends to drive greater competition and improve connectivity across regional and rural Australia.

In NSW, allocated funding will be used by Optus to build 18 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 NSW, we’ve invested in 88 new sites and 978 site upgrades in the past 12 months and are looking forward to continuing this investment through the Mobile Black Spots Program,” said Mr Epstein.

“Optus is also pleased to receive $100,000 in third party contributions by Cadia Valley Operations and thank them for their support in improving regional and rural connectivity in Cadia.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro said the State and Federal Government are working hard with the private sector to deliver quality mobile phone services to regional NSW.

“People in regional NSW deserve to be able to make a phone call, access the internet and connect online with the same ease as people in larger centres, and the NSW Government’s commitment to the Mobile Phone Blackspot program is making that happen,” said Mr Barilaro.

Using the funding, Optus will build new mobile base stations and satellite small cells in New South Wales across:

For more information please contact:

Michelle Pacey/Steve Batten

Optus Corporate Affairs

P: (02) 8082 7850

E: media@optus.com.au