Telstra has announced it will seek to significantly bolster its mobile and broadband telecommunications coverage with the construction of new network mobile base stations across the state’s North-West region.

 

Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager for WA North Tony Carmichael said the construction of the 20 new base stations throughout the state will give users significantly increased access to voice and data services.

 

 “The previously unserviced area between Port Hedland and Fitzroy Crossing now has mobile coverage for the first time, following the commissioning of these base stations.  This means customers will now be able to use mobile phones, tablets and other wireless devices between towns and enjoy a fast mobile broadband service,” Mr Carmichael said.

 

“These towers are also an important addition for emergency services in the Pilbara. Functioning mobile coverage can assist in emergencies, particularly in getting messages out to remote parts of the state prone to bushfires and other disasters. Nonetheless, mobile phone networks should not be relied upon as the sole means of emergency communications. 

 

The towers form part of Telstra’s ongoing Regional Mobile Communication Project (RMCP), aimed at delivering increased mobile and telecommunications coverage throughout regional and remote Western Australia.

 

In partnership with Telstra, the Project will deliver $106 million in value to the state and is expected to take three years to complete. Over this period, Telstra will increase its geographic coverage by about 22 per cent in Western Australia - from 430,000 km2 to more than 525,000 km2.

 

“Projects like this are helping those in rural towns to experience Telstra’s Next G® network. With computers, laptops, tablets and mobiles, customers can connect to Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile network,” Mr Carmichael said.