Telco to build 83 mobile sites in mobile black spot areas
Australian-based telco Optus has secured funding to build 83 new mobile sites as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program. The sites will deliver much needed mobile coverage and connectivity to regional communities.
In a statement to the press, Optus said the 83 sites are located across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory and will cost $56.1 million to build, including $25.4 million in Federal funding, $5.3 million in State funding and a co-contribution of $22.2 million from Optus.
Andrew Sheridan, vice president regulatory and public affairs at said Optus has taken part in the Program for the past four years.
“We have delivered 95 sites benefiting 17,000 properties in regional and rural parts of Australia, unlocking access to mobile voice, text and data services,” he said.
“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.”
Optus stated the 83 sites secured by the Telco will improve coverage in regions and locations including 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.
“These are all areas in need of improved mobile coverage, especially at this crucial time when many families are in isolation and need to stay connected for education, business and personal reasons,” said Sheridan. “We have worked closely with State and Territory Governments as well as some communities in selecting these sites.”
Optus is also rolling out over 170 Federal funded sites across Australia as part of the second round of the Program, Priority Round program and fourth round of the projects.
