Time for a boost: Optus connects Narracan residents

Eliminates mobile blackspot and connects more than 400 homes to reliable mobile reception for the first time

Another mobile black spot bites the dust after Optus switched on a new site in Narracan, delivering much needed coverage and connectivity to regional Victoria by partnering with the Victorian Government as part of Round 3 of the State Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Co-located on an existing tower along McDonalds Track, the site will provide coverage to the terrain challenged region, whilst also complementing another existing Victorian Government Blackspot at Thorpdale.

As part of Optus’ commitment to deliver reliable connectivity during these times of uncertainty, more than 400 homes will now be able to connect to dedicated mobile reception for the first time, providing them with the ability to make and receive calls, texts and browse the internet. Additionally, more than 23 square kilometres of area surrounding the site will receive greatly enhanced mobile coverage.

Andrew Sheridan, Optus’ Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs said, “Bringing much needed mobile coverage to Narracan is critical for residents and local communities. It not only means greater safety for those living, working and driving through this area by unlocking access to communication but also helps to facilitate contact with family and friends.”

“This site will enable valuable opportunities for the local community, allowing regional Victoria to remain competitive with access to the same resources as the rest of Australia. Competition is not only essential for the economy, but also great for the community, with this new site providing customers with better choice and value.”

“We know how important access to reliable mobile coverage is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever. It’s a certainly a bonus to be delivering this boost at such a crucial time when many families are currently in isolation and staying connected is essential for education, business and personal reasons.”

Victoria’s Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said this was a significant win for residents living and working throughout the Latrobe Valley region.

“We know how important mobile connectivity is, especially in regional Victoria and this will go a long way to enhancing business and community confidence not just in Narracan, but across the Latrobe Valley, meaning even more people can have a reliable connection when they need it most.”

Optus customers wanting to raise an issue with the mobile network- such as congestion or an outage- can now simply ‘pin’ their location via a new crowd sourced network platform on Optus’ website called Network Experience Maps, for real time investigation. To view the new Network Experience Maps, click here

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Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
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