BENDIGO TO BENEFIT FROM OPTUS’ $4.65 MILLION COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE MOBILE COVERAGE

Optus today announced it will continue its investment in Bendigo, with plans to spend $2.8 million to improve 4G mobile coverage over the next 18 months.

Optus’ Regional Market Manager for Bendigo, Duane Dalton said this investment will further improve network coverage for Optus customers across the region.

“As one of the largest regional centres in Australia, with a thriving local business community and growing population, we know how important fast and effective mobile coverage is to the people of Bendigo,” Mr Dalton said.

“In the next 18 months, an additional three new sites are planned, with residents and business owners in Kangaroo Flat South and Maiden Gully South set to benefit as well as people attending events at Bendigo Showgrounds.”

In the past 12 months, Optus has invested $1.85 million to build four new sites at Ironbark, Quarry Hill, Bendigo South and Epsom, and upgraded a fifth site at Long Gully, which has vastly improved coverage and the customer experience for residents and local business owners.

Bendigo Hospital recently benefited as well, with a dedicated solution to enhance coverage within the building now providing Optus 3G and 4G services.

As previously announced, new sites will also be built at Jackass Flats and Flora Hill.

“Today’s announcement is further proof of our commitment to keeping customers in the Bendigo region connected,” Mr Dalton said.

Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP, said “Constituents of Bendigo rely on mobile connectivity more than ever, whether it is people trying to run a business, children trying to do their homework or even simply trying to communicate with friends and family, so much of our lives is now online.”

“This investment from Optus comes at a vital time when locals have been pleading for increased connectivity on the local mobile network,” said Ms Chesters.

In addition to building two new sites, Optus will continue work to upgrade existing infrastructure at Bendigo Tafe, Whitehills, Huntly, Epsom, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Strathdale.

In July, Optus announced plans to spend $1 billion to improve and expand its mobile network in regional Australia. Mr Dalton said today’s announcement forms part of this pledge.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer customers in Bendigo and the Greater Bendigo region more choice and the chance to experience greater network coverage and faster mobile internet download services,” Mr Dalton said.

The Optus network handles over 45 million calls and 80 million SMS messages each day and carries 6,000 terabytes of data each week. Optus is continuing to expand and strengthen its network to deliver improved data and voice services across metropolitan, regional and remote locations nationally.

Media contact:

Candice Lester

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

media@optus.com.au