Optus has partnered with the Victorian government to build 25 new mobile towers across regional Victoria to provide mobile coverage to about 5000 households and businesses.
The project involves a $16 million funding agreement between the two parties, and is part of Optus’ $1 billion investment to improve mobile coverage in regional Australia.
“Those living in regional Victoria deserve better mobile coverage in their homes, workplaces and while they travel – and we thank Optus for helping us get on with the job of delivering it,” said Philip Dalidakis, Victorian minister for innovation and the digital economy.
“We’ve invested almost $31 million in 166 new mobile towers across Victoria, connecting 20,000 premises that previously had no or poor mobile coverage."
Andrew Sheridan, Optus vice president of regulatory and public affairs, said: "This co-investment is a fantastic announcement for Victoria, and Optus is extremely proud to be working with the Victorian government on this project.”
The first tower, in Nanneella, was switched on earlier this month and is currently live, while the remaining sites. including Ararat, Baw Baw, Campaspe, Cardinia, Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Golden Plains, Horsham, Indigo, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Moyne, South Gippsland, Yarra Ranges and Yarriambiack, will be completed by the end of 2019.
“Community safety is our number one priority so we’ve worked closely with Emergency Management Victoria to ensure our regional communities in these areas have mobile access,” Victorian minister for regional development Jaala Pulford said.
“The feedback we’ve received via our regional partnerships is that better mobile coverage is a priority for regional Victoria and that’s what we’re delivering.”
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