Residents around Sackville have 3G and 4G mobile coverage for the first time after a new base station came online.
Telstra flicked the switch on the new base station in late December as part of the rollout of the federal government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing comprehensive mobile phone coverage for residents in Sackville North, South Maroota, Maraylya and Forest Glen.
“The new mobile base station at Sackville North delivers Telstra’s 3G and state of the art 4GX mobile data services to the area for the first time,” Telstra Area General Manager Tricia Wilson stated. “We are proud to be part of this important initiative which extends the latest technologies across regional and rural communities, along major regional transport routes, and in locations prone to natural disasters.
Telstra is building a total of 577 new mobile base stations under the first two rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, and installing up to 250 small cells to deliver high speed 4G data services in some small country towns where suitable Telstra infrastructure is available.
Borowra MP Julian Leeser welcomed the move, saying better mobile reception would significantly improve residents’ lives.
“Residents in towns including Sackville North, South Maroota, Maraylya and Forest Glen live in one of the most beautiful parts of Berowra, but the topography of the area presents telecommunications challenges. Now their businesses and ability to stay in touch with family and friends will benefit,” he said.
“Addressing their mobile black spot issues was one of my key election commitments, and I’m proud to we’ve delivered the project as promised.”
Mr Leeser heard first-hand about the need for emergency communications in the event of a bushfire during his visits to Sackville North Rural Fire Brigade.
“I know how important mobile phones are, particularly in the more rural parts of the electorate. This Black Spot breakthrough will help both residents and the Rural Fire Brigade better communicate in the event of a bushfire,” he said.
Sackville North Rural Fire Brigade captain John Turnbull said the tower had already had an immediate impact.
“Residents are already receiving better mobile coverage, allowing them to better communicate with each other and emergency services should they need to,” Mr Turnbull said.