Optus switches on at Toolondo
T“Good mobile connectivity will be a game changer for these communities – helping people work, study, connect with loved ones and get access to safety and emergency information” – Jaala Pulford
elecommunications company Optus has switched on a new mobile telephone base station at Toolondo, south-west of Horsham.
The Toolondo site is one of three new station sites in western and northern Victoria. The others are at Berriwillock in the southern Mallee and Toolleen, east of Bendigo.
Site development is part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program and extends Optus mobile telephone coverage range.
The State Government has also provided money for the sites, investing $58-million into developing 253 new mobile base stations across the state.
Optus regulatory and public affairs vice-president Andrew Sheridan said Optus was providing mobile competition and choice to regional and rural Victoria.
He said the three new towers brought the number of Mobile Black Spot Program sites Optus had switched on in Victoria to 17.
“As part of an Optus vision of being Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships, our network is at the core of everything we do,” he said.
Federal Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Minister Bridget Mckenzie said the activation of the three base stations would provide essential mobile-phone connectivity.
“The Liberal-nationals government’s priority is to provide Australians with access to reliable communication,” she said.
“This will be a major boost for the northern and western parts of Victoria, not just for those residing in the area, but also those using a major transport link like the Calder Highway, where being able to reliably contact emergency services could be life-saving.
“Under the first five rounds of the program we have funded more than 1200 new mobile base stations, with more than 940 of these now on air.
“This will provide residents with better access to education services, help them stay connected to loved ones and essential services, while helping local businesses grow.”
Victorian Innovation, Medical Research, and the Digital Economy Minister Jaala Pulford said the State Government was fast-tracking connectivity across the state.
“Good mobile connectivity will be a game changer for these communities – helping people work, study, connect with loved ones and get access to safety and emergency information,” she said.
Optus Victorian territory general manager Jayson Grool added the new towers brought improved mobile connectivity, coverage and capacity to these areas, offering Optus’ best network ever to local businesses and residents.”