Optus Completes $42.2 Million Network Investment in Tasmania

Optus has announced completion of 37 new mobile sites across Tasmania in the last 12 months, investing $42.2 million in the network to improve call quality and faster download speeds for mobile customers across Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Tasmania’s east coast.

With 151 sites across Tasmania, the 37 new base stations represent a 25 percent increase in the number of sites across the state, increasing Optus’ network footprint and delivering coverage improvements for customers.

Optus CEO, Allen Lew said Optus continued to invest across Tasmania to improve connectivity, and offer Tasmanians competition and choice for mobile services.

“Tasmania is a priority state for Optus. In July last year we committed to building 35 new sites by July 2019. I’m proud to say that we’ve delivered on that target of 35 sites as well as an extra two locations in just 12 months. The introduction of new sites is testament to our commitment to building the best possible mobile network across the state.

We firmly believe that competition is not only good for the economy, but also good for the customer with these new sites providing customers with choice and better value.”

“In addition to our significant expansion in the last 12 months we will build on our investment and commit a further $4.5 million to build another eight sites by March 2019.”

The new sites will be spread across Tasmania with Mr Lew committing to more investment in Tasmania in the future.

“Our investment doesn’t stop after these new sites are delivered, and we look forward to further announcements in the future,” said Lew.

“With its breathtaking scenery and rugged landscape Tasmania can be a challenging location to provide mobile coverage. We believe that whether customers live and work in the cities or smaller towns and regional locations, they should have access to the same, network services and coverage,” added Lew.

The new sites to be built by Optus this financial year include: Cradoc, Magra, Salamanca Place, Austins Ferry, Campania, Romaine West, Jericho East and Doctors Rocks.

Investment in Hobart and surrounds
• A total of seven new sites were completed in Hobart and surrounding suburbs including, Berriedale/Chigwell, Collinsvale East, Green Point/Bridgewater, Hobart CBD North, North Hobart, Sorrell Central and Tinderbox

Investment in Devonport and surrounds
• In the last 12 months five new sites were built in and around Devonport including Devonport North, Forth, Latrobe Central, Railton and Sassafras

Investment in Launceston and surrounds
• A total of 10 new sites were completed in and around Launceston including at Mole Creek, Oatlands, Legana, Deviot, Swan Bay, Beaconsfield North, Hadspen, Summerhill North, Rocherlea and Kayena

Investment in Tasmania’s East Coast
• Optus completed three sites along the East Coast including at Coles Bay, Eaglehawk Neck and Orford

In addition to coverage across the state Optus mobile customers also have access to the Optus 4G and 3G networks during their Spirit of Tasmania voyage, providing coverage for their journey between Devonport and Melbourne.

Optus supporting Tasmanian business

Derrick Clack who owns Howrah Plumbing, became an Optus customer in July 2017 and talked about the importance of keeping his business connected while on the road.

“We have offices in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie so staying connected at work is essential, all of our tradesman now work from mobile devices so being able to schedule work to the team in real time is very important, without the proper mobile coverage our business would grind to a halt,” said Clack.

“The 37 additional towers is part of what gave us the confidence to switch to Optus, the greatly improved coverage meant that we could switch all our mobile voice and data requirements to Optus, providing a better value for money alternative.”