Optus switches on a new tower in Tinaroo to tackle Mobile Blackspot

Optus has switched on a new tower in Tinaroo delivering much needed coverage and connectivity to Far North Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands as part of the Federal Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The new site is being co-funded by Optus and the Federal and Queensland State Governments as part of round two of the program. Coverage from the site, which is co-located on an existing tower on Lookout Road will enable more than 400 residences to connect to dedicated Optus coverage for the first time, providing them with the ability to make and receive calls, text and browse the internet.

More than 54 square kilometers of roads surrounding the site will receive greatly enhanced mobile coverage, including sections of Tinaroo Falls Dam Road.

Andrew Sheridan, Optus’ Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs said, “We are thrilled to be bringing much-needed mobile coverage to Tinaroo, as it means greater safety for those living, visiting and travelling through the area by unlocking mobile coverage.”

“Coverage from the new site will extend to Lake Tinaroo, which is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the Atherton Tablelands and one highly frequented by locals. It’s great to know holiday makers as well as the local community can now stay connected with reliable mobile reception.”

“We strongly believe that whether you live and work in cities or smaller towns and regional locations, you should have access to the same network services and coverage. Programs like the Federal Government's Mobile Black Spot Program are crucial to helping us achieve this goal, enabling us to offer regional communities competition and choice.”

“Optus’ mobile blackspot sites have resulted in over 350,000 hours of calls, carried over 7.2 million new calls and served over 1,000,000 individual users; reflecting our commitment to enabling greater availability of mobile services for our customers no matter where they live.”

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP, said “Connecting regional Australia has a myriad of benefits – for individuals and families, for small businesses and tourism, and for our economy more broadly. I am thrilled that local residents and businesses, and visitors to Tinaroo, will now be able to enjoy improved mobile coverage thanks to Optus and the Mobile Black Spot Program.”

“No one should be disadvantaged because of where they live and the Mobile Black Spot Program is helping to ensure that regional Australians have the same level of mobile network access as those living in the cities. It is a terrific example of what can be achieved when private enterprise, federal and state governments work together.”

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 Coalition Government has committed $380 million to this program, which includes $160 million in funding for two new rounds (Rounds five and six). The Government’s commitment has been supported with co-invested by state and local governments, businesses, community organisations and telecommunications providers.

Media enquiries:
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850
E: media@optus.com.au