North Cascade’s new mobile tower. Photo: Telstra
North Cascade residents have been promised improved 4G mobile coverage after Telstra recently installed a new tower.
A Commonwealth Government spokesperson said the new macro cell base station would work toward keeping the region connected in more ways than one.
“In addition to improved mobile and data connectivity, the project enhances public safety communications during emergencies and natural disasters,” they said.
The WA Government contributed $235,000 toward the new facility.
WA Regional Development minister Don Punch said the new tower would improve communication capabilities and said such improvements were essential in regional areas in order to “bridge the digital divide”.
“This new infrastructure will deliver better mobile connectivity for residents, local businesses and visitors to the Esperance region of WA,” he said.
The completion of the North Cascade mobile tower was announced a day after WA Nationals leader Shane Love had criticised the Federal Government for “abandoning” regional telecommunications customers.
“I’ve written to Telstra’s CEO and the Minister for Communications to outline the havoc caused by the shutdown of the 3G network,” Mr love said.
“I reiterated that Telstra has a social obligation to ensure no community is left behind.”
Mr Love said he received a disappointing response from Telstra indicating the matter was not a priority.
“My office has received numerous examples of business customers in the outer metropolitan area repeatedly reporting issues to Telstra,” he said.
“Yet they continue to face worsening connectivity and unfulfilled promises of case resolution.”
The government spokesperson said the improvement to the mobile coverage tower in North Cascade was part of the Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program which would deliver new rounds to facilitate better connectivity in Regional and Rural Australia.
