Optus has switched on 10 mobile phone towers in the south-west to improve connectivity in growing areas with the hope of assisting emergency services.
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The new phone towers are designed to improve 4G mobile coverage and improve the capacity for locals and visitors to make and receive calls, texts and access mobile data.
One of the mobile phone towers sits on a building at Lady Bay Resort, overlooking the Warrnambool Breakwater.
Optus’ territory general manager for south-west Victoria Duane Dalton said it was an important place for a mobile tower because of the number of tourists using the network.
“It swells during the tourist season,” he said.
Mr Dalton said having towers in tourist hot spots helps connect families and allows for better streaming on different devices.
Another tower has been erected at Port Fairy and Mr Dalton said it will be of use during the folk festival.
“The site at Port Fairy, will be a significant improvement for those locals and visitors attending the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival,” he said.
The other new mobile phone towers are at Tyrendarra, Warrnambool, Chocolyn South, Pirron Yallock, Colac West, Warrnambool North, Beech Forest and the 12 Apostles.
Mr Dalton said towers were put in particular locations based on numerous factors including customer feedback and growing population.
“Every area is important,” he said.
“This financial year, Optus has invested $6.35 million in its mobile network across the region, working with local communities to improve mobile coverage in their area.”
The new mobile phone towers were all switched on in the past 12 months.
Mr Dalton said the updated mobile service would be a bonus for people travelling the Great Ocean Road.
“This significant investment will not only provide improve connectivity for local residents, but also improve mobile coverage for the thousands of tourists travelling along the Great Ocean Road every day,” he said.
