Telstra will expand its 5G and satellite coverage in the Riverina and Murray regions. Photo: Telstra.
Australian telecommunications giant Telstra says it will be delivering improved coverage of its mobile and satellite services to the Riverina and Murray areas.
The Riverina continues to be plagued by black spots, including in its major cities of Wagga Wagga and Griffith. Many farmers living in the area require the use of satellite to mobile internet or phone services to even receive connections on their mobile devices, while others miss out entirely.
A 2021 submission to a government inquiry by Helen Dalton MP identified a number of mobile black spots in Griffith alone, including Bringagee Road, Boorga Road (Mallinson to Dickson roads), the Benerembah area, MR80 West (Hillston West), the Lakes Road area and parts of Rankin Springs Road.
Telstra Regional General Manager Southern NSW Chris Taylor said he hoped the new multi-million dollar investment would help to deliver better coverage and performance to these affected areas.
“We have a long history of investing in regional communities, and we know mobile connection plays such a huge role in all our lives as well as our futures, whether we’re in town or in the paddock, at home or on the job,” Mr Taylor said.
“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years. This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.
“Our investment includes over 15 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in locations like Leeton, Griffith and Wagga Wagga. We’re also in the process of building a new site in Lake Wyangan and scoping other opportunities to further expand our coverage.
“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”
Telstra will also be expanding its relatively new Starlink satellite services, which send messaging through SpaceX internet and connection services.
“While satellite-to-mobile messaging is an exciting new technology, it’s important to remember the service will initially be limited to messaging only while outside with a clear line of sight to the sky,” Mr Taylor said.
“This capability will enable basic texting on your phone in some of Australia’s hardest-to-reach places. It will be helpful to get a message out or to be contactable in remote areas where our mobile network doesn’t reach.”
Public phones in the region were also among 1000 across the nation upgraded with free Wi-Fi and extended battery backup. Seven in Riverina Murray locations were upgraded, including in Tumut, Hillston and Wagga Wagga.
“The shifting nature of seasons means that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. If you’ve had to evacuate, a public phone might allow you to contact family and friends to let them know you are OK,” Mr Taylor said.
