New or improved Telstra mobile coverage will be delivered across a host of Wide Bay Burnett communities, including the Bundaberg Region, as part of a $9 million investment to help deliver the most advanced, resilient and reliable mobile network in the region.
The series of upgrades and new construction projects is being rolled out over the next 12 months and follows Telstra’s announcement earlier this year that it would increase its national mobile network investment by $800 million over four years to deliver the connectivity needed to support customers in years to come.
Telstra Regional General Manager for Southern Queensland May Boisen said the multi-million dollar funding would help deliver better coverage and performance in the region, now and into the future.
“We have a long history of investing in regional communities and we know mobile connection plays such a huge role in all our lives as well as our futures, whether we’re in town or in the paddock, at home or on the job,” Ms Boisen said.
“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years.
“This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.
“Our investment includes over 20 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, and Burnett local government areas.
“We’re also in the process of building a new site in Bundaberg and scoping other opportunities to further expand our coverage.”
Telstra has begun upgrading hundreds of mobile sites at its busiest locations around the country with Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band radio – a technology that boosts capacity, improves coverage and is central to building a high-performing, programmable network.
“Customers near the upgraded sites should see and feel a difference with noticeable improvements to speeds and overall experience from this year especially while using their mobile in busy areas,” Ms Boisen said.
“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”
Satellite to mobile technology
In addition to benefiting from the significant investment on the ground, eligible Telstra customers with a compatible phone can now also access Australia’s first satellite to mobile product – Telstra Satellite Messaging which allows customers to send and receive a text message via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites when they’re outside the reach of Telstra’s mobile coverage area.
“This capability will enable basic texting on your phone in some of Australia’s hardest to reach places,” Ms Boisen said.
“It will be helpful to get a message out or to be contactable in remote areas where our mobile network doesn’t reach.
“While satellite to mobile messaging is an exciting new technology it’s important to remember the service will initially be limited to messaging only while outside with a clear line of sight to the sky.”
1000 upgraded public phones in disaster-prone areas
Public phones in the region are among 1,000 across the nation to have also been upgraded with free Wi-Fi and extended battery backup to help keep communities connected during times of need.
Public phones in over 20 Wide Bay Burnett locations are among those to have been upgraded including in Bundaberg.
“The shifting nature of seasons means that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable,” Ms Boisen said.
“If you’ve had to evacuate, a public phone might allow you to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok.”
Ongoing mobile network investment
The latest investment builds on the $11.8 billion investment Telstra has made in its mobile network nationally, including $4.3 billion in regional areas over the past seven years.
“We’re incredibly proud of our network which is the largest and most reliable mobile network in Australia – delivering more coverage than anyone else,” Ms Boisen said.
“We will continue to push the boundaries to deliver the best possible connectivity experience for our customers.”
