Optus is boosting mobile coverage across 12 locations in the Northern Territory, following the introduction of cells that provide mobile coverage through Optus satellites.
Known as small cells, the units deliver mobile phone coverage up to a three kilometre radius depending on the surrounding topography.
The small cells will be located between selected locations from Katherine to Uluru along the Stuart Highway, key roadhouses and popular check-in locations including Daly Waters, Renner Springs, Three Ways, Barrow Creek and Erldunda.
Additionally, locations such as Curtin Springs on Lasseter’s Highway have been chosen which Optus said are not currently serviced by any mobile coverage.
Other locations include Mataranka, Ormiston Pound Ranger Station, Elliott, Barkly Homestead, Wycliffe Well, and Ti Tree.
"This initiative is about delivering a choice in mobile services for workers and residents in and around these key locations, and enabling a ‘check-in’ capability for passing traffic such as travelling workers, truckies and tourists,” Optus Networks acting managing director, Dennis Wong, said.
Optus Satellite vice-president, Paul Sheridan, said as the only Australian telco to own and operate mobile, fixed and satellite networks, is an initiative for the company to leverage its expertise and introduce a mobile and satellite technology solution to support its continued network expansion across Australia.
“The use of small cells allows for the efficient provision of telecommunications services in difficult and often costly locations," he added.
"While quite common in highly populous CBDs, we believe this is an excellent way to deploy this type of technology to deliver services to areas that are remote and geographically challenging."
