General News
8 July, 2025
Major upgrade for better coverage
A MULTI-million dollar upgrade to the Telstra network is set to deliver better coverage and performance in the region.
“Our investment includes over 45 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in locations like Coen, Mareeba, Ravenshoe and Aurukun and we’re scoping other opportunities in the region to further expand our coverage,” Telstra Northern Queensland regional general manager Rachel Cliffe said.
The new or improved mobile coverage was part of a $16 million local investment to help deliver the most advanced, resilient and reliable mobile network in the region.
“We have a long history of investing in regional communities, and we know mobile connection plays such a huge role in all our lives as well as our futures, whether we’re in town or in the paddock, at home or on the job,” Ms Cliffe said.
“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years. This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.”
Telstra has begun upgrading hundreds of mobile sites at its busiest locations around the country with Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band radio – a technology that boosts capacity, improves coverage and is central to building a high-performing, programmable network.
“Customers near the upgraded sites should see and feel a difference with noticeable improvements to speeds and overall experience from this year especially while using their mobile in busy areas,” Ms Cliffe said.
“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”
In addition to benefiting from the significant investment on the ground, eligible Telstra customers with a compatible phone can now also access Australia’s first satellite to mobile product – Telstra Satellite Messaging which allows customers to send and receive a text message via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites when they’re outside the reach of Telstra’s mobile coverage area.
“This capability will enable basic texting on your phone in some of Australia’s hardest to reach places. It will be helpful to get a message out or to be contactable in remote areas where our mobile network doesn’t reach,” Ms Cliffe said.
“While satellite to mobile messaging is an exciting new technology it’s important to remember the service will initially be limited to messaging only while outside with a clear line of sight to the sky.”
Public phones in the region are among 1,000 across the nation to have also been upgraded with free Wi-Fi and extended battery backup to help keep communities connected during times of need.
Public phones in 40 Far North Queensland locations are among those to have been upgraded including in Mareeba, Babinda, Cairns, Cooktown, Innisfail, Port Douglas, Trinity Beach and Wujal Wujal.
“The shifting nature of seasons means that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. If you’ve had to evacuate, a public phone might allow you to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok,” Ms Cliffe said.
The latest investment builds on the $11.8 billion investment Telstra has made in its mobile network nationally, including $4.3 billion in regional areas over the past seven years.
