Optus switches on three new Mobile Black Spot sites in Victoria

Optus has switched on three new mobile sites in northern and western Victoria as part of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing extended Optus mobile coverage to the area.

The new Mobile Black Spot sites are located along the Calder Highway, Berriwillock, approximately halfway between Bendigo and Mildura; Toolleen, 35 kilometres east of Bendigo; and Toolondo, 44 kilometres south-west of Horsham. The Victorian Government has also contributed funding to all three sites, as part of its $58 million investment to deliver 253 new mobile base stations across the state.

Andrew Sheridan, Optus Vice President, Regulatory & Public Affairs, said that Optus continues to provide mobile competition and choice to regional and rural Victoria. The three new towers bring the total number of Mobile Black Spot Program sites Optus has switched on in Victoria to 17.

“As part of Optus’ vision of being Australia's most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships, our network is at the core of everything we do. No matter where our customers live, work, or visit in Australia, we are committed to giving our customers access to reliable mobile coverage and high-quality internet,” said Sheridan.

“The investment in expanding Optus’ telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is supported by the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, and we recognise the work of the Federal and State Governments, local businesses and communities for their support for this Program,” said Sheridan.

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the activation of the three base stations would provide essential local mobile connectivity.

“The Liberal Nationals Government’s priority is to provide Australians with access to reliable communication, which is why we have committed $380 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote communities,” Minister McKenzie 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 over 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 Minister for Innovation, Medical Research, and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford, said the Government is fast tracking connectivity to improve connections 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.”

Optus Territory General Manager for Victoria, Jayson Grool, highlighted the importance of strength and breadth of telecommunications services in the region.

“The new towers in Berriwillock, Toolleen, and Toolondo bring improved mobile connectivity, coverage and capacity to these areas, offering Optus’ best network ever to local businesses and residents,” said Grool.

Mobile Black Spot Program

The Mobile Black Spot Program is a Federal Government initiative to improve and extend mobile phone coverage in regional and remote Australia.

The Federal Government has committed $380 million to this Program, which has been supported by State Governments, local governments, businesses, community organisations and telecommunications providers.

As part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programs Optus has been awarded 256 sites in regional and remote parts of Australia.