Boost for mobile phone coverage in WA

14/02/07
The construction of a mobile phone base station in Karridale, 30km south of Margaret River, marks the halfway mark in the State Government's deal with Optus to expand mobile phone coverage in Western Australia.
Industry and Enterprise Minister Francis Logan joined with Optus officials in Karridale today to celebrate the milestone.
Mr Logan congratulated Optus on reaching halfway in its construction of 94 mobile communication facilities throughout regional and metropolitan WA.
"In this technical savvy era, the reliance on mobile phones for business and play is increasing and the need for unlimited coverage is essential," he said.
"This project will expand and increase mobile coverage in WA, especially in regional areas, creating competition and choice for consumers.
"The expansion is already providing major benefits for business and the community and will continue to do so as the remaining base stations are constructed."
Optus WA State manager Vince Troth said the milestone showed the company's commitment to the WA community.
"Optus is now two-thirds of the way into a three-year contract to deploy the additional 94 mobile base stations across WA," Mr Troth said.
"The deployment of mobile facilities has been across metropolitan, rural and regional WA, with regional phone facilities also planned for Broome, the Burrup Peninsula, Derby, Newman and Tom Price.
"We currently provide coverage to more than 91 per cent of the WA population and this project will ensure that the new base stations increase and enhance WA's mobile coverage."
Mr Logan said Optus had demonstrated what could be achieved through the strategic use of State Government procurement.
"The construction of the mobile base stations is an example of how Government procurement can create benefits far wider than those to Government agencies," he said.
"Gains are accruing directly to business and community and this underpins the State's development.
"The $1billion State Broadband Network initiative will be another example of the Government's procurement expenditure providing further opportunities for innovative responses to deliver high-quality broadband services to industry and the community.
"This network will greatly improve broadband services for WA consumers, providing world-class access, even to remote communities, and will make WA more competitive in the global marketplace through connectivity with the rest of the world."
Minister's office - 9222 8950