Optus switches on Mobile Black Spot tower in Barfold
15 December 2021
This new site, located on Heathcote-Kyneton Road in Barfold will provide enhanced coverage in the rural location offering mobile coverage to 234 premises in the area, over 119 square kilometres, including 15 kilometres of major roads. The new tower improve coverage in Barfold and ensure locals and travellers alike will have access to improved connectivity while on the go in the region.
Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President, Regulatory & Public Affairs, said that Optus continues to provide mobile competition and choice to regional and rural Victoria. Mr Sheridan said, “We are proud to be announcing yet another Mobile Blackspot tower to our Optus network across regional Victoria. We know how important reliable access is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever.”
“The Barfold tower allows our customers to benefit from our improved 4G mobile connectivity, coverage and capacity as well as bringing choice for local businesses and residents by offering our best network ever at a great value.”
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the Barfold tower was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to support regional areas.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s priority is to provide Australians with reliable and effective communication services that they can depend on in any region. This is why we have committed
$380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote communities,” Minister McKenzie said.
“This is just one of the more than 1,270 new mobile base stations funded under the program to date, with more than 980 of these base stations now on air, including 177 in Victoria. I am delighted to see this rollout continue.”
“Upgrades like this will allow the region to reach its potential and support residents, businesses and visitors to the area."
“This will address gaps in coverage, improving business operations and social connectivity, while keeping residents safe when they need support the most. With more than 230 premises benefiting from these upgrades, plus its coverage of 15 kilometres of major roads used by residents and visitors alike, this tower will support our region for many years to come.”
Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said the Victorian Government is fast-tracking connectivity to improve connections across the state:
“Being better connected is going to be great for the Barfold community – it will make it so much easier for people to go about their business and connect with loved ones, and in emergencies it will make them safer.”
This brings the total number of Mobile Black Spot Program sites Optus has switched on in Victoria to 20. Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its Australian mobile network, with this new tower providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for local Barfold residents and businesses.
ABOUT THE MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM
The Mobile Black Spot Program is an Australian Government initiative to improve and extend mobile phone coverage and increase competition in regional and remote Australia.
The Australian Government has committed $380 million to this Program, which has been supported by State Governments, local governments, businesses, community organisations and telecommunications providers.
As part of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, Optus has been awarded funding for 256 sites in regional and remote parts of Australia.
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Media contacts:
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au
Anna Laskaris, Thrive PR + Communications
0413 810 453
anna.laskaris@thrivepr.com.au
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