Update 28 Nov (AM): Telstra Exchange Fire In Warrnambool

Media Release, 28 November 2012

This is the latest update on Telstra’s efforts to restore communication services in south-western Victoria following last Thursday’s fire that partially destroyed Telstra’s Warrnambool exchange and impacted customer landline, broadband, mobile and radio services across the region. 

Mobile coverage has been largely restored across the region, with 35 of 41 base stations now back online. The latest areas to receive restored coverage are Panmure, Portland (Alcoa), Tyrendarra, West Warrnambool and Mt Eckersley.

Technicians have reconnected 57 per cent of landline customers including the entire townships of Portland, Edenhope, Poolaijelo, Mortlake, Derrinullum, Cobden and Mirranatwa. We are seeking to increase capacity in Portaland as some customers may be experiencing difficulty in making calls. This is in addition to the restoration of a number of townships yesterday.

Approximately half the services in Hamilton have been restored. Telstra is continuing to focus on restoring services across the district. A team of more than 50 technicians are on site carrying out repairs, working across two 12 hour shifts to get services restored as quickly as possible.

Efforts to restore all services in the region are ongoing

Today technicians will focus is on re-establishing transmission links in the exchange.

We apologise for the inconvenience to our customers