Optus to build 6 new phone towers in Northern Rivers

Optus is set to build new mobile phone towers in six locations across the Northern Rivers with funding from the state government’s mobile black-spot program.

The six locations are Fernleigh, Main Arm, Rosebank, Rock Valley, Goolmangar and Stony Chute.

The company’s vice president of regulatory and public affairs, Andrew Sheridan, said the outcome was ‘a real boost for residents and businesses in the Northern Rivers’.

‘There is a genuine need for improved telecommunications services across this key regional centre, especially given Northern Rivers’ popularity as a tourism hub,’ he said.

‘Only recently Optus announced that we would build five new sites in the Northern Rivers region and these NSW Government mobile black spots will complement our existing plans, further bolstering coverage across the area,’ said Mr Sheridan.

‘This is the first time that people in these areas will have dedicated mobile coverage. Access to voice and data coverage is critical, particularly in those regions with high agricultural or tourism-based economies,’ he added.

Deputy premier and minister for regional NSW John Barilaro said the government is committed to boosting voice and data coverage across regional NSW.

‘We know that in order to keep up you have to be connected and are working as fast as we can to cover the gaps in coverage across the state.

‘Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do from running a business, getting produce from paddock to port or staying in touch with family.

‘Expanding mobile coverage means there are more areas where you can call Triple Zero if you need help and more areas where you will receive vital emergency alert information messages.

‘The new sites announced today will benefit hundreds of residents as well as tourists and I am proud that this program is continuing to expand mobile coverage across regional NSW,’ he said.