A new mobile tower installed recently in Towamba should provide access to both 3G and 4G mobile services, but one Towamba resident said he had seen no improvement.
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Telstra proudly posted a video on its Facebook page announcing the tower was up and running on Friday, July 21. “Noticing better coverage in parts of Towamba?” the post said. “We’ve recently completed building a new mobile base station in the area under the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering high-speed, 4G mobile services never experienced before!”
However, within hours the post had been bombarded with comments from Towamba residents claiming the tower had not improved reception. One was from Chris Lewis who said he had heard other residents were happy but for him it had made no difference.
“We're just a mile from the tower on Log Farm Road and reception is dire still,” Mr Lewis said. “Oddly, people further along the road seem to get much better reception but I think their house is set a lot higher than ours.
“It annoys me because I spend a lot of time online and I was really looking forward to the improvements and had even changed my phone plan in advance to take advantage of the the enhanced speed and data throughput. What a waste of time that was.”
Telstra acting area general manager Albert Habib said their aim was to maximise new coverage in the area, to allow more locals to keep in contact with family and friends.
“A number of factors influence coverage, including local topography, obstructions such as trees and other structures and building materials, as well as how far you are from the nearest base station,” Mr Habib said.
“Telstra provides advice on how to maximise the coverage already available in your area.”
Many Wyndham and Burragate residents also commented on the Telstra Facebook post asking if they would receive a tower.
People experiencing coverage problems can head to www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/#maximisecoverage.