LANDSBOROUGH residents have marked the official launch of the town's new mobile base station.
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The mobile base station was switched on during May, providing residents with new or improved mobile coverage under the federal government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the infrastructure upgrade was important for the region.
“This new infrastructure will enable those living in regional areas to participate in the digital economy and conduct business, as well as access important education and health services across the country,” Mr Tehan said.
Landsborough Resource Centre manager Robyn Day hoped the upgrade would increase mobile coverage for residents and encourage people to visit the town.
“I have noticed visitors wandering through the area and I hope that these upgrades will help the community, farmers and businesses and encourage visitors to come,” she said.
Ms Day said some residents had already recognised improved coverage.
“Friends of mine, who previously had to go outside to make phone calls, aren’t doing that anymore – so things must be working,” she said.
Landsborough resident Charlene McPhan has lived in the area for about six months.
Mrs McPhan cares for her husband, who has a medical condition, and relies on mobile coverage in the area.
Mrs McPhan said she noticed a decline in mobile coverage across the past six months.
“When we moved here, we had one or two bars of reception. Now we are in and out of any reception,” she said.
Mrs McPhan said she and her family relied on the mobile service in case of emergencies.
“If my husband goes outside or I am not home and he has a fall, he needs to call me or emergency services,” she said.
Although Mrs McPhan’s phone is showing reception, there have been occasions where she couldn’t make a phone call.
“Even though it says we have one or two bars, we actually can’t get any connection. It’s an ongoing issue that I am working on with Telstra,” she said.
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