Optus to spend $25m upgrading Tasmanian mobile network

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 15 May 2011 18:47

Business IT - Networking

Optus is to spend $25m upgrading its mobile network in Tasmania, tripling to 100 the number of cell sites in the state , giving it coverage of 96 percent of the population and creating the first significant competition to Telstra.

"Through this investment over 45 towns, for the first time, will have choice between network providers delivering more competition and more value to customers," Optus said.

Optus said it would roll out more than 80 new mobile sites across Tasmania over the next 24 months, "From Stanley in the North West to Scottsdale in the North East; to Queenstown and Zeehan in the West; Dover in South West; and St Marys, Coles Bay and Swansea on the East Coast." Optus' existing mobile sites in Devonport, Hobart and Launceston will also be upgraded to expand their capacity.

Optus will also expand its retail presence in the state. Gunther Ottendorfer, managing director Optus Networks, announcing the expansion at the Optus Shop in Elizabeth Street Mall Hobart, said: 'Optus will continue to increase its retail presence with over 170 outlets and continues to contribute to the employment in the state with the opening of 'yes' Optus Shops in Hobart and Launceston and another planned for Devonport later this year.

Tasmanian premier, Lara Giddings, hailed Optus' decision as "an important show of faith in the Tasmanian economy at a time when retail trade is under pressure from the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, higher interest rates and the high Australian dollar."