Optus has switched on a new mobile tower in Tathra, along the NSW south coast, to provide 4G mobile coverage to the region.
The new equipment, which is co-located on an NBN Co tower on Thomson Drive, will play a key role in delivering a competitive telecommunications alternative to local residents and businesses for the first time, Optus said in a statement.
“It’s important Optus customers in regional and rural Australia have access to reliable mobile reception,” said Karin Wilcox, regional manager Optus Riverina.
"The devastating bushfires earlier this year have highlighted the importance of mobile coverage in regional Australia and we are confident that this new Optus site will play a key role in further supporting services in the area."
In march, Tathra suffered from bushfires likely caused by electrical infrastructure, as reported by ABC at the time. At the time Telstra offered an assistance package for its residential and small business customers in Tathra who have lost services due to bushfires and NBN Co issued a statement saying there was no impact over its network.
Additionally to the Tathra tower, Optus also recently switched on two new sites at Central Tilba and Broulee in NSW. A further two sites in Candelo Town and Moruya Central will also be completed later this year.
“This new tower in Tathra, combined with our continued investment across the Sapphire Coast plays a key role in improving network coverage and customer experience for residents, small businesses and the thousands of holidaymakers who visit the region each year,” Wilcox said.
The move is part of the telco’s plan to expand and strengthen its network across metro, regional and remote areas.
In August, Optus refuted Telstra's claim that it is the first provider in Australia to be 5G ready, after the telecommunications giant publicly demonstrated its 5G capability in April at its 5G Live showcase during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Optus further added that was poised to deliver commercial 5G services as soon as January 2019.
