Upgrading of Telstra’s mobile phone base station in Millicent was completed earlier this week. Four contract technicians spent about 10 days working at the base station located atop the landmark SA Water concrete water tower.

Regional General Manager for Telstra Mark Bolton said the upgrade was made to the telco’s 4G mobile network and 5G was installed. Mr Bolton said impacts to local customers appeared to have been minimal during this time but Telstra apologised to anyone who had difficulties making or receiving calls or texts while the upgrade was taking place.

“There is never a good time to undertake upgrades such as this, but we expect it will deliver improved mobile services and experiences for people living or working in the Millicent area,” Mr Bolton said. “However, if anyone starts experiencing issues following the upgrade, we encourage them to contact Telstra via telephone or online to report a fault and we will come and investigate.

“With more than 10,700 mobile base stations, Telstra’s mobile network is the largest in Australia. “Nationally there are now more than 3600 Telstra 5G sites on-air and Millicent joins more than 200 cities and towns in having 5G coverage. “By the end of this month, Telstra expects 75% of the Australian population will be able to access Telstra 5G.”

The SA Water concrete tower first hosted mobile phone equipment in 1995. This action prompted protests from nearby residents and St Anthony’s school due to perceived health risks. At the time, Telstra was majority-owned by the Federal Government but a local appeal

to then member for Barker Ian McLachlan for his personal intervention proved fruitless.