Optus mobile coverage switches on for the first time at Lachlan

Dedicated mobile coverage for more than 270 residents

Domestic travel and reliable connectivity go hand in hand and Optus is making sure travellers  to Tasmania and locals alike are able to stay connected after switching on a brand-new site in Lachlan, delivering additional coverage to the community as part of the priority round of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The Optus site, located on an existing tower along Moores Road, will provide dedicated coverage to Lachlan that includes north towards existing coverage at New Norfolk. More than 270 residents will now be able to connect to reliable Optus mobile reception, providing them with the improved ability to make and receive calls, texts and browse the internet.

Additionally, more than 27 square kilometres of area surrounding the site will receive new and upgraded coverage with their handheld devices, including 1.2 km of roads.

Optus Regulatory and Public Affairs Vice President, Andrew Sheridan, said:

“It’s fantastic to be announcing Optus coverage for the first time in this area much and needed coverage in Lachlan and to residents in Southern Tasmania. It not only means greater safety for those living, working and driving through the area by unlocking critical access to communication, but keeps family and friends connected.

With the opening of domestic borders, the site will also benefit the region’s tourists. The Lachlan locality is renowned for its whiskey and gin distilleries, which will be a massive drawcard for visitors as we enter the cooler months.

From a local point of view, this site will enable valuable opportunities for the Lachlan locality, allowing regional Tasmania 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 are looking forward to welcoming locals and travellers to this beautiful part of the world, with our best ever network coverage making it easier than ever for them to share memories and stay connected.”

Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP said the Mobile Black Spot program is continuing to connect regional communities and businesses across Australia.

“The Lachlan site is one of more than 1,200 new mobile base stations funded under the first five rounds of the program, with more than 920 of these base stations now on air,” Minister Coulton said.

Federal Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler welcomed the improved mobile coverage that the new Optus tower will provide to local residents, businesses and tourists in this beautiful part of the Derwent Valley.

“There are now 39 mobile base stations on air across Tasmania that have been funded through the Mobile Black Spot Program, providing better mobile connectivity to local residents, businesses and tourists across the State.”

Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability and speed across its Australian mobile network, with first time coverage in Lachlan providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for local residents and businesses.

 Media enquiries:

Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au