New or improved Telstra mobile coverage will be delivered across a host of Hume communities as part of a $10 million local investment to help deliver the most advanced, resilient and reliable mobile network in the region.
The series of upgrades and new construction projects is being rolled out over the next 12 months, and follows Telstra’s announcement earlier this year that it would increase its national mobile network investment by $800 million over four years to deliver the connectivity needed to support customers in years to come.
Telstra regional general manager for Eastern Victoria Jenny Gray said the multi-million dollar funding would help deliver better coverage and performance in the region, now and into the future.
“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 on the road, at home or the office,” Ms Gray said.
“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years.
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"This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.
“Our investment includes 30 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in locations such as Wangaratta and Benalla.
"We’re also in the process of building a new site in Beechworth and scoping other opportunities to further expand our coverage.”
Telstra has begun upgrading hundreds of mobile sites at its busiest locations around the country with Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band radio – a technology that boosts capacity, improves coverage and is central to building a high-performing, programmable network.
“Customers near the upgraded sites should see and feel a difference with noticeable improvements to speeds and overall experience from this year especially while using their mobile in busy areas,” Ms Gray said.
“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”
In addition to benefiting from the significant investment on the ground, eligible Telstra customers with a compatible phone can now also access Australia’s first satellite to mobile product – Telstra Satellite Messaging which allows customers to send and receive a text message via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites when they’re outside the reach of Telstra’s mobile coverage area.
Independent Indi MP Helen Haines welcome the latest funding announcement from Telstra to projects in Wangaratta, Benalla and Beechworth.
“Reliable mobile and internet services are critical for regional communities – not just for day-to-day living, but for safety, business and education," Dr Haines said.
"I look forward to receiving a briefing from Telstra on these works and will continue to push for better coverage in areas where services remain poor or unreliable."
