OPTUS STRENGTHENS NORTHERN TERRITORY REGIONAL MOBILE NETWORK

Optus continues investment in Northern Territory to connect more remote communities and tourist destinations

Optus has announced the launch of twenty new mobile sites across the Northern Territory, further extending the Optus network reach and providing multiple communities and tourist hotspots with their first dedicated source of mobile coverage.

The twenty sites are spread across regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory and add to Optus’ existing network in the Territory. Each of the twenty newly launched sites utilise Optus satellite infrastructure and small cell[1] technology, enabling fast deployment in traditionally difficult areas to provide mobile services.

Vin Mullins, Manager of Network Planning at Optus said, “Optus’ expansion in the Northern Territory highlights the importance of continued investment in regional Australia, as we see more areas connected with mobile coverage. This is also a great example of using different technologies to achieve mobile coverage in regional and remote areas.”

The twenty satellite small cell sites are a combination of direct Optus network investment and co-funding with Federal and Territory Government’s through the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program. Of the twenty sites, twelve have been launched via Optus’ standalone network investment program and eight as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

“We are pleased to be a part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program and to be able to deliver crucial telecommunications infrastructure to regional and remote areas across The Territory.  It’s been great to see the positive feedback on social media and even to my own mobile direct from people so thankful of the service being provided,” Mr Mullins said.

“We fully support the work that the Mobile Black Spot Program is undertaking and thank all Governments for investing in such a crucial program. Co-investment across sites in regional Australia allows us to expand our investment even further and we’re incredibly proud to connect another eight locations through this Program.”

SITE LIST

Optus standalone network investment program:

TI Tree, Elliott, Aileron Roadhouse, Renner Springs, Curtin Springs, Erldunda, 3 Ways, Wycliffe Well, Daly Waters, Barkly Homestead, Wauchope Hotel, Barrow Creek.

Federal Government Mobile Black Spot program:

Gem Tree, Devils Marbles Hotel, Kings Creek Station, Kings Canyon Resort, Stuarts Well Road House, Mary River Road House, Victoria River Road House, Cape Crawford.

In addition to live sites, Optus has plans to deliver five additional satellite small cell sites and one mobile tower in the next six months.

Optus standalone network investment program – upcoming:

Simpsons Gap Visitor Centre, Ormiston Ranger Station

Federal Government Mobile Black Spot program – upcoming:

Aurora Kakadu, Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Litchfield Park Road (mobile tower)

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Additional quotes

Interim Parliamentary Leader of the Nationals and Senator for the Northern Territory, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion

Interim Parliamentary Leader of the Nationals and Senator for the Northern Territory, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion said: “The Coalition understands the importance of mobile coverage for business, tourism, agriculture and keeping in touch with family and friends.

“The Mobile Black Spot Program will deliver better mobile coverage to people in rural, regional and remote Australia, and I’m delighted that Optus has been able to hit the ground running in its delivery of these improvements.

“When Government invests in regional communities, it gives those communities confidence.

“The best results are always achieved working in partnership and that’s what we’ve done – with state and territory governments, local councils, community organisations, local businesses and the major telcos,” Minister Scullion said.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss

“I’m pleased to see this work occurring across key sites in the Northern Territory that we believe will add value to customers, and increase safety through the provision of increased mobile access in remote areas.

“Almost half (45%) of overnight visitors to the Northern Territory self-drove at some point during their visit and this market has grown by 8.1% in 2016-17 when compared to the previous year.

“The increased network provision from Optus opens up the mobile market for Optus mobile users as well as general users for data coverage.

“I welcome the partnership and commitment made by Optus, the Australian Government and stakeholders that have played a role in bringing this project to fruition,” Ms Moss said.

Media enquiries:
Michelle Pacey
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850

[1] Satellite small cell technology is a flexible alternative to a traditional mobile tower, using satellite connectivity and backhaul to deliver mobile coverage to a concentrated local area in rural, remote and previously unserviced locations.