Optus settles down in Spencer and delivers a permanent coverage solution

Dedicated mobile coverage for more than 200 homes

Optus certainly isn’t getting cold feet when it comes to its commitment to improving mobile coverage across the Central Coast region of New South Wales, swapping out its interim solution in Spencer for something permanent as part of round two of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The site, located along Wisemans Ferry road, provides dedicated 4G and 3G mobile coverage to the villages of Spencer and Wendoree Park on the Hawkesbury River. This permanent site will deliver much needed coverage and connectivity to the Central Coast region, replacing the Satellite Small Cell that was deployed in the interim and will enable more than 200 homes to make and receive calls, texts and browse the internet. At Optus’ expense, a new dedicated 4G Satellite Small Cell will be deployed at Marlow who have been benefitting from the interim solution deployed at the Spencer caravan park.

Optus Manager for Mobile Access Planning, Vin Mullins, has been working incredibly closely with Spencer resident’s spokesperson Robyn Downham, to enable the successful delivery of this site and keeping the community informed every step of the way; bettering their experience with Optus and making sure they are able to get the most out of the network.

“This site has been a long time coming and we would like to thank the community for their patience whilst we worked to get the permanent coverage solution up and running.”

“Keeping our finger on the pulse of the community, we have heard the need for enhanced mobile coverage across the Central Coast region, especially with the Hawkesbury River being a draw card for visitors and locals alike. It’s great to be delivering a permanent coverage solution which not only means greater safety for those living, working and driving through the area by unlocking access to communication, but also helps facilitate contact with family and friends.”

“This site will enable valuable opportunities for the local community, allowing regional New South Wales 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,” Mr Mullins said.

Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton MP, said the activation of the Spencer tower is the latest boost to connectivity in the Central Coast region.

“The new base station will improve mobile coverage for locals in Spencer and Wendoree Park, helping them stay connected with family and friends, access education services, and conduct business,” Minister Coulton said.

“This is just one of more than 1,200 new mobile base stations funded under the first five rounds of the program, with more than 910 of these base stations now on air.”

Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks MP said that she is thrilled to see the Spencer Mobile Base Station delivered for Spencer and Wendoree Park residents.

“I want to thank local residents who have worked with me in advocating to deliver critical mobile coverage, making this region a safer and more connected place to live.”

Spencer resident’s spokesperson, Robyn Downham said, “Spencer and the surrounding Communities on the Lower Hawkesbury River have been campaigning since November 2015 for improved telecommunications in this region which is ironically only an hour's drive north of Sydney. To date Lucy Wicks MP, Vin Mullins from Optus, Belinda Repton from Wendoree Park and I have been working tirelessly to have this dire situation addressed.”

“In October 2018 an interim satellite dish was installed at Spencer whilst waiting for landowners to negotiate with Optus before installing a tower at Big Jim's Point near Marlow. In April 2019 a tower was installed for Wendoree Park (installed north of Spencer) and due to failed negotiations Optus decided to co-locate with Telstra on the new tower.”

“It is now February 2021 and finally there appears to be a light at the end of this tunnel. Spencer has waited patiently for this co-location and it's thanks to Vin Mullins for his perseverance and diligence that this co-location is nearing fruition. Eventually Spencer and the Communities on the Lower Hawkesbury River will have improved mobile coverage which is imperative living in an isolated area.”

With more than 130 Mobile Black Spot sites live and many under or about to start construction, Optus is committed to partnering with the Federal and State Government to enhance regions through greater connectivity. To date, Optus’ Mobile Black Spot Sites have carried over 910,000 hours of calls from more than 16,900,000 calls established on the network.

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Optus Corporate Affairs
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