Optus has announced a $20 million investment in its mobile network across the Gold Coast ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
As part of the investment Optus will build new mobile towers to improve coverage at Carrara Stadium (two sites), the Commonwealth Games Village, Currumbin and Main Beach.
In addition, 62 mobile towers across the Coast will be upgraded with Optus 4G to improve capacity and customer experience.
Ian Smith, Optus Vice President and Executive Lead for the Commonwealth Games said, “Optus’ investment will deliver a first class network and mobile coverage for residents, business owners and visitors across the Gold Coast.
“We have undertaken significant network infrastructure investment across the Coast and today we are upping that investment as further demonstration of our commitment to improve coverage and customer experience.
Optus will implement a range of different mobile technologies outside traditional mobile towers across the Coast.
“We’re taking the approach that a broad range of technology solutions will provide the most consistent and versatile network coverage.”
“Optus will introduce new in-building coverage at 10 venues across the Coast and upgrade a further 10 in-building networks already in place. We’ll also be looking to provide Cells on Wheels (CoWs), which are transportable towers that can be moved to busy locations to provide additional coverage and service,” said Mr Smith.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said he was delighted to have Optus on board as a GC2018 tier one partner with a focus on delivering mission critical infrastructure during the Games and legacy outcomes for the region.
“With 6,600 athletes and team officials in and around the field, track or pool, and 3,500 media covering all events, Optus technology will support the global broadcast and provide Games communications for every heat, match and final across every event at GC2018.
“Enhanced network coverage at locations including Carrara Stadium, the Commonwealth Games Village and Currumbin will help athletes, media and fans take the Games to the world which is really great marketing tool for the Gold Coast and Queensland as a whole.”
“Optus investment in the Gold Coast network is directly related to their Games partnership and shows how events of the magnitude of a Commonwealth Games can deliver more than just sports infrastructure once the closing ceremony is over,” Mr Beattie said. Mr Beattie said.
Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones said Optus’ investment would deliver jobs and business benefits for the Commonwealth Games and beyond.
“The Commonwealth Games is creating thousands of job opportunities for people on the Gold Coast.
“Optus will create approximately 90 new jobs locally as part of their commitment to deliver the Games communications infrastructure and managed technology services as the Official Support Network.
“The enhancement of the Optus network will be warmly welcomed by local business, tourism, sport and education sectors all of whom will benefit from this investment before and after the Games,” Ms Jones said.
Earlier this month, Optus CEO Allen Lew announced a $1 billion investment to improve and expand its mobile network in regional Australia by the end of June 2018.
Optus also announced it would be the official support network for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) to provide the event’s communications infrastructure and managed technology services, in addition to creating approximately 90 new jobs locally.
Media contact:
Lindsay Clement-Meehan
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
Cobey Moore
Communication and Media Lead
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)
0447 109 772
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