Optus small cell.
Optus has struck an agreement with the Western Australia Government in a co-investment deal worth more than $3.8 million to upgrade 11 satellite small cells across regional areas.
This will be the first time that 4G coverage will come to some of the state's most remote communities such as the Karijini Eco Resort, Campground and Visitor Centre, Home Valley Station, Kalumburu, Burringurrah, Cape Le Grand Lucky Bay, Mindibunga, Alexander Bay, Bell Gorge and Parnngurr Community.
Recently the Western Australia government said it was investing $20.7 million towards fixing regional mobile blackspots under the Regional Telecommunications Project.
Optus said the 11 satellite small cell locations were selected as part of a joint agreement and will serve several remote Indigenous communities and national parks.
“This co-investment with the Western Australia government will provide significantly improved mobile and data coverage in these small remote communities. Those living and visiting remote and rural parts of Western Australia deserve access to reliable mobile coverage,” Optus vice president of regulatory and public affairs Andrew Sheridan said.
“Bringing choice, value and a world-class network to regional Australia remains a priority for Optus and the use of satellite small cells provides the combined benefits of expanding mobile coverage in a concentrated local area in rural and remote locations.
"We have previously delivered a number of satellite small cells in Western Australia and we know that this technology will deliver choice and much needed capacity to these towns once the 4G upgrade is installed.”
In 2017, Optus pledged $1 billion towards improving and expanding its mobile network in regional Australia, which involved building new mobile sites across regional and remote Australia, as well as upgrading more than 1,800 sites from 3G to 4G technology.
