Amobile base station has been established on Chambers Road at Glenburnie, which will vastly improve Telstra 4G and 5G coverage in the area.
The 40-metre high Telstra Tower was built in partnership with the South Australian Government and was launched on Friday.
Telstra public affairs manager Chris Marks said the new base station would deliver approximately 40 square kilometres of new coverage and add to existing coverage and capacity in the area.
“What people will find is if they were living in an area that already had coverage, they will find the signal will be faster and stronger,” Mr Marks said.
“So it should be a better performance and experience for them.”
The site will also provide triple zero mobile connectivity for anyone within range even if using a different carrier.
Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said she was pleased the State Government had been able to partner with Telstra to provide this practical connectivity solution to residents and businesses in the South East.
“Glenburnie is one of the identified Black Spots and we know that it is really important not just for local residents but also for major economic drawcards, such as the saleyards, which had very poor connectivity,” Minister Scriven said.
“So in terms of productivity from the region that is really important.
“Also places like the racecourse and the Borderline Speedway, again residents have given feedback there was very disappointing connectivity there.
“But also for travellers and tourists who are coming through (the region), so it really is important to have an appropriate connectivity that does address all of those needs.”
Minister Scriven said connectivity was essential to driving region and state growth and success and reliable mobile phone coverage was vital for people living in the regions.
Telstra’s Regional General Manager Michael Patterson said they knew from stakeholder and community feedback that residents around Glenburnie were looking to get improved mobile performance.
“Without this co-funding partnership with the SA Government and a contribution from Grant District Council, this new coverage in Glenburnie may not have been possible,” Mr Patterson said.
Grant District Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said council was exceptionally pleased with the completed Telstra Tower.
“Council’s financial contribution and advocacy for the installation of this communication infrastructure has brought about greater coverage, connectivity and increased safety for Glenburnie residents and visitors along with users of the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards and nearby sporting precincts,” Mr Whicker said.
“We look forward to seeing the additional opportunities this tower will bring to Grant District Council community.”
