Small cells provide big benefits in more Queensland mobile blackspots
Even more Queenslanders living in mobile black spots will soon have access to high speed mobile broadband and voice calls, with a host of new locations selected to become home to an innovative Telstra 4G small cell.
Telstra will now roll out 70 small cells in Queensland, with the State Government approving a further 39 locations across rural and regional town centres in the state.
In further good news, Telstra recently enabled Voice over LTE (VoLTE) on its small cells, allowing voice calls on compatible handsets while also providing high speed mobile data capabilities.
Telstra Area General Manager May Boisen said the small cells would open digital doors in mobile black spots.
“For something so small, this technology is delivering big benefits to these rural and regional communities,” Ms Boisen said.
“As the carrier with the nation’s largest mobile footprint and the first to bring 4G mobile services to regional Australia, we know how important high-speed mobile is to local communities and businesses.
“From Babinda to Woorabinda, the introduction of fast 4G data services in these locations means people will have access to high speed mobile data for the first time, allowing them use a range of modern technologies, whether it’s fast internet browsing, video streaming, social media or a mobile office.
“In many of these town centres, you currently can’t even make a voice call, so the recent enablement of VoLTE on our small cells is also an exciting addition.
“Customers with compatible handsets and devices will not only be able to make calls in the region for the first time, they’ll be clearer and connected faster, all while continuing to use fast mobile internet.”
Previously, 4G small cells could only provide fast mobile data.
Through its own investment, Telstra is rolling out up to 250 small cells nationally under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, in addition to 577 mobile base stations being deployed in rural and regional areas – more than $486 million worth of co-investment in country Australia.
Queensland Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) worked closely with local councils and Telstra to identify, expand and improve mobile phone coverage and promote connectivity.
“Mobile phone black spots have been a huge concern for many regional communities – it is critical we stay connected,” Ms Enoch said.
“The state is committed to investing in telecommunications infrastructure that will improve mobile phone coverage for Queenslanders because reliable and adequate telecommunications is critical to everyday life and business in Queensland.”
Ms Boisen said a number of the Queensland small cells were expected to come online this year.
More information about small cells, their capabilities and VoLTE can be accessed at www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage.
Media contact: Ashley McDermid, State Media Manager, 0412 731 355, media@team.telstra.com.
Reference: 051/2017
New locals to receive a small cell |
Locations previously announced |
---|---|
Acland |
Alva Beach |
Babinda |
Avondale |
Bororen |
Binna Burra Resort |
Bowenville |
Boreen Point |
Brandon |
Bramston Beach |
Brigalow |
Cawarral |
Brookstead |
Cherbourg |
Burnett Heads |
Dingo |
Buxton |
Hampton |
Capella |
Hillview |
Comet |
Injinoo |
Conondale |
Injune |
Cungulla |
Innot Hot Springs |
Delta |
Lake Tinaroo |
El Arish |
Mena Creek |
Flagstone Creek |
Moranbah Airport |
Forest Hill |
Morven |
Forrest Beach |
Mourilyan Harbour |
Homestead |
Mungallala |
Inkermin |
Murray Upper |
Jardine |
Palmer River Roadhouse |
Kennedy |
Peranga |
Kerry |
Reesville |
Kumbia |
River Ranch |
Mount Alford |
Seisia |
Nobby |
Severnlea |
Peachester |
Tarzali |
Pentland |
Tingoora |
Ridgelands |
Umagico |
Ridgewood |
Woorabinda |
Rosedale |
|
South Kolan |
|
Surat |
|
Tanby |
|
Thargomindah |
|
Wallumbilla |
|
Weengallon |
|
Woodstock |
|
Yakapari |
|