Optus switches on two new Mobile Black Spot sites in regional South Australia

Optus has switched on new towers in both Ettrick and Marama as part of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing extended Optus coverage to the area and connectivity to the community. The South Australian Government has also contributed funding to both sites.

The Optus mobile tower in Ettrick will provide enhanced mobile coverage to 45 premises with 71 sq kms covered including 12 major roads. Marama’s new tower will see 60 premises and over 209 sq kms covered. The combination of the two new towers will ensure those travelling through the Riverland will be able to stay connected and have continuous coverage from Loxton through to Murray Bridge.

Rob Seymour, Optus’ Territory General Manager for regional South Australia is thrilled to be providing regional and rural South Australians with mobile competition and choice.

Mr Seymour said, “We know how important reliable access is for those living and working across regional Australia, and right now it is more critical than ever. We’re proud to provide valuable opportunities for the local community. The investment in expanding Optus’ telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is supported by the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, and we recognise the work of the Federal and State Governments, local businesses and communities for their support for this Program”.

“Both Marama and Ettrick will provide our customers with greater connectivity for those living, working, and driving through the area by unlocking access to communication, and helps facilitate contact with family and friends. These new towers will also allow competition and choice for local businesses and residents by offering our best network ever at a great value,” said Mr. Seymour.

Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the two base stations was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to support regional areas.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s priority is to provide regional Australians with better access to reliable communication services, which is why we have committed $380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage and competition across rural and remote communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“These sites are just two 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 61 in
South Australia. I am delighted to see this rollout continue.”

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said the lack of mobile reception across many areas in Barker is the number one issue raised by constituents with him.

“Mobile phone connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. There are estimated to be 499 blackspots across Barker which the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program is attempting to address.” Mr Pasin said.

“I am pleased to see that with the support of the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program, Optus has been able to erect towers at Ettrick and Marama, and whilst these sites will address gaps in coverage for these communities, there is much more work to be done.

“The needs of communities that continue to struggle to achieve mobile phone connectivity remains foremost in my considerations and my actions in Canberra.” 

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham, said, “Access to quality telecommunications and digital services is vital for our regions and the Marshall Liberal Government is proud to be supporting the rollout of infrastructure funded by the State’s $10 million Mobile Phone Black Spot Fund.”

“We are proud to work with telecommunications companies such as Optus as well as local councils to improve these critical services in regional and remote South Australia,” Minister Basham said.

Optus continues to invest to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its mobile network, with this new tower providing a competitive telecommunications alternative for 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

Bianca Cowie, Thrive PR + Communications
0405 698 611
bianca.cowie@thrivepr.com.au