OPTUS COMMITS $6 MILLION TO IMPROVE MOBILE COVERAGE IN TAREE AND FORSTER-TUNCURRY

Optus today announced a $3.5 million future investment to improve 3G and 4G mobile coverage in Taree and Forster-Tuncurry.

Optus NSW State Manager Dylan Harrad-Chantler said this investment will improve network coverage and customer experience across the region for residents and the expected 670,000 annual visitors. “We understand the need for better mobile coverage and faster internet download speeds for people living, working, and visiting Taree and Forster-Tuncurry", Mr Harrad-Chantler said. “We have just completed $2.5 million of work to build five new sites to improve coverage at Taree Hospital, Taree North, Cundletown, Darawank and Forster Stockland Shopping Centre.

“As a result of these new sites, our network coverage has improved along the Pacific Highway and parts of the Northern Railway line, benefitting motorists and commuters alike. “Optus’ network investment in the area is a win for local residents, businesses and tourists wanting to stay connected across the region,” Mr Harrad-Chantler said. Planning has started to invest the $3.5 million to build sites for new housing developments at Brimbin Estate and Cape Hawk as well as Wingham Central, Old Bar Central, Mt George, Tuncurry Central and Glenthorne which will add capacity to these towns.

Taree and Forster-Tuncurry is one of hundreds of regional areas enjoying the benefits of Optus’ superfast 4G Plus network, which now reaches 95.7% of Australians. The Optus mobile 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.   Media contact: Gabrielle Crittenden/Candice Lester Optus Corporate Affairs (02) 8082 7850 media@optus.com.au