Optus is continuing to build its mobile coverage network, moving deeper into regional communities. The move follows the successful procurement of funding for 83 new mobile sites from the federal government. The total project cost is a whopping $56.1 million. This includes 22.2 million direct from Optus, $25.4 million from the Federal government and $5.3 million in state funding.
This coverage growth continues a huge amount of work already completed by the network, bringing further coverage to users right across the country. In the early stages, these sites include Rubyvale in Queensland, popular National Parks within the Northern Territory, Peebinga in South Australia, the Wheat Belt in Western Australia and the Illawarra train line in New South Wales.
Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President Regulatory and Public Affairs said in the press statement:
In the four years Optus has taken part in the Program, we have delivered more than 95 sites benefiting more than 17,000 properties in regional and rural parts of Australia, unlocking access to mobile voice, text and data services.
Our priority at Optus is always to deliver the best service, value and choice to our customers and the Mobile Black Spot Program has played an important role in helping to facilitate this in often very remote parts of the country.
The rollout will provide families and communities who are either isolated — potentially reliant upon Satellite devices — or have limited connectivity more ways to stay connected with their friends and loved ones. The work being done by the carriers as part of the blackspot project is providing communities with opportunities and benefits we — in metropolitan areas — take for granted with other clear flow-on benefits include business continuity, education and entertainment.
