Optus switches on Mobile Black Spot site in Farm Beach

Provides Optus mobile and data coverage to the area for the first time

Optus has switched on a new mobile site in Farm Beach, South Australia as part of round two of the Australian Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing residents and visitors to the area with dedicated Optus mobile coverage for the first time.

The new site located on the Farm Beach road, was supported by the Federal and State Governments and will provide mobile coverage across 54 square kilometres, reaching over 170 households in the area. Additionally, the site will extend coverage from Farm Beach and towards Little Douglas and Wangary along Farm Beach road.

Andrew Sheridan, Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs highlighted the importance of the Program in providing coverage to people living in remote and rural parts of Australia.

“The ability to make and receive calls and browse the internet is something that we believe all Australians should have access to. Access to mobile coverage brings a range of benefits to these communities, beyond being able to make calls it enables them to browse the internet and use the latest in-home technology, which is at the centre of the modern, connected way of life,” said Mr Sheridan.

Farm Beach is the 12th Federal Government Mobile Black Spot site to be delivered by Optus in South Australia. 2 additional sites, at Blanchetown and Yahl have also been delivered directly with the South Australian Government. Optus has also recently been awarded a further 10 sites under the Federal Governments Round 4 program. Under all programs, 29 sites will be delivered.

“Seeing the benefit that this program has brought to so many rural and remote Australian communities only serves to strengthen our commitment to continue to offer residents in these parts of Australia with a great value, reliable mobile service,” added Mr Sheridan.

South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Hon Tim Whetstone, said, “The Marshall Liberal Government made a clear election commitment to help address mobile black spots across the state and our $5.5 million contribution is a significant step forward for regional South Australia.”

“Our regional areas are a major driver of our state’s economy and are an integral part of the state’s identity.

“South Australia’s regions contribute around $25 billion a year to the state’s economy, and connectivity is essential to driving our regions’ and our state’s growth and success.”

Minister for Regional Services, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the Mobile Black Spot Program is delivering much needed new investment in mobile infrastructure across regional Australia to address mobile coverage issues.

“It’s fantastic to see that the program is reaching more and more communities across the country, like Farm Beach.

“The Mobile Black Spot Program is enabling mobile carriers to service areas like Farm Beach where it would otherwise not have been economically viable,” said Minister McKenzie.

ABOUT THE MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM

The Mobile Black Spot Program is a Federal Government initiative to improve and extend mobile phone coverage in regional and remote Australia.

The Federal Government has committed $220 million to this Program, which has been co-invested by State Governments, local governments, businesses, community organisations and telecommunications providers.

As part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programs Optus will be co-funding and building a total of 114 sites in black spots across the country, a large number of which are in very remote, parts of Australia.

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