Delivers Third Mobile Black Spot in Central NSW this year
Residents and businesses in Summer Hill Creek are enjoying improved access to mobile coverage thanks to Optus switching on a new tower as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.
The new tower located off Ophir Road is now providing over 70 square kilometres of new and enhanced coverage in the region, including a 12 kilometre stretch along Ophir Road.
“This is the third Mobile Black Spot that we have switched on in Central NSW this financial year. Together with the Federal and State Governments we recognise the need for improved telecommunication services across this region which is why we are committed to delivering a further five Mobile Black Spot sites within the Central NSW area in the next 18 months,” said Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President Regulatory and Public Affairs.
The new tower has been co-funded by Optus, the Federal and State Governments as part of Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing coverage for calls, text and data services across the network.
“Our priority is to enable Australians, no matter where they live, to reap the social and business benefits afforded by reliable mobile coverage, so it’s wonderful to be able to bring coverage to these regional communities. With more than 60 residential homes now covered by this site we have already seen more than 20,000 calls from more than 2100 individual users handled by the site since it was switched on last month,” added Mr Sheridan.
Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said he was pleased local residents and businesses would now have better service in more locations.
“My constituents have raised the issue of poor service in the Summer Hill Creek area and I’m pleased to be part of a Government that is listening and delivering,” Mr Gee said.
“The new mobile base station was completed by Optus and is the latest of 37 sites across Calare to receive new or improved mobile coverage under the program.
“The new tower is now providing over 70 square kilometres of new or improved coverage, which is great news for local residents, campers, bushwalkers and the Rural Fire Service,” Mr Gee added.
“Not only will these towers make it easier for people to stay connected to family and friends, it will also make it easier to do business and access education.”
The five upcoming Mobile Black Spot sites in Central NSW include, Cadia South, Johns Place, Sunny Corner, Rock Forrest and Yarras.
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 $380 million to this Program, which includes $160 million in funding for two new rounds (Rounds 5 and 6). The Government’s commitment has been supported with co-invested by state and 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 175 mobile sites in black spots across the country, a large number of which are in very remote, parts of Australia. A total of 85 of these sites are now live with many under or about to start build.
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