Communications IT

Optus reaches 100 Mobile Black Spot Program sites

Aiza Mabayag Sep 22, 2020

2 min read

More communities in regional and remote Queensland will benefit from new and improved mobile coverage following the switch-on of Optus’ 100th tower under the Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The new macro cell base station in Boreen Point was co-funded by the Federal Government, Optus and the Queensland Government, and will provide new and improved 3G and 4G mobile coverage to the Boreen Point and Cootharaba communities and surrounding areas.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP, welcomed the milestone.

“Improved mobile connectivity has never been more important to connect with family and friends, conduct business and learn remotely as many of us spend more time at home.” said Minister Paul. Under the first five rounds of the Government’s successful Mobile Black Spot Program, we are funding 249 new base stations across Queensland. The new base station, co-located on an NBN tower at Boreen Point in the Shire of Noosa, will enable around 80 square kilometres of new and improved mobile coverage to more than 640 local homes and businesses.”

“The 100th tower switched on by Optus is set to provide much needed mobile coverage to the community, recreational users and visitors to Lake Cootharaba, and local roads in the area including Lake Flat Road, Louis Bazzo Drive and Cootharaba Road. This coverage is vital to keeping the community safe while commuting, and will also provide economic and social benefits to residents, businesses and visitors to this thriving coastal area.” said Minister Mark.

Locals are set to receive a further coverage boost with an additional Mobile Black Spot Program site scheduled to be on air at Boreen Point West on Cootharaba Road by the end of the year.

The Federal Government has committed $380 million to date to the Mobile Black Spot Program to deliver new and improved mobile coverage across Australia.

“Through the first five rounds of the Program, our Government’s commitment has generated a total investment of more than $836 million including co-contributions from local, state and territory governments and mobile network operators such as Optus, funding up to 1,229 new mobile base stations across Australia.” said Minister Mark.

Funding for Queensland under the first five rounds of the Program is $167.8 million, including $57.0 million in funding from the Australian Government and $27.3 million from the Queensland Government.

Through the Program to date, Optus is investing more than $75 million and delivering over
250 new base stations to improve mobile coverage and competition across regional Australia, including to some of the most remote parts of the country.

Source: Office Of the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts