NANGWARRY will soon have 5G, but Penola has been left waiting.
Telstra has confirmed plans to connect Nangwarry in the coming months to 5G, the current fastest mobile coverage that can outpace some NBN connections.
While Telstra has already made 5G available in Mount Gambier, Millicent, Naracoorte, Robe, Kingston, Keith and Bordertown, the company has been unable to give a timeframe for when it will be rolled out in Penola.
Telstra’s national public affairs manager Chris Marks said decisions on 5G rollouts are made with more considerations than just population.
“A number of different factors are taken into account when planning site upgrades,” Mr Marks said.
“These include what technology is currently in place, the number of mobile sites serving an area, site usage and load, build complexity and other site build schedules amongst other things.
“Telstra plans its national build schedule in two-month increments and any future upgrades to Penola, Beachport or Southend have not yet been planned.”
The 5G rollout first started in 2019, but regional areas have had to wait longer to get coverage.
Coverage is only focussed on townships due to the short ranged-nature of 5G, with 4G still the main connection option when on the road.
Wattle Range council Mayor Des Noll said he welcomed any increase in service to the area.
“In today’s world of communication, it is no longer a luxury to have complete service coverage, it is an essential requirement,” Mr Noll said.
“Customers in the Wattle Range Council area, such as Nangwarry, and other rural communities rely on communication services for their businesses, emergency situations, employment and keeping in contact with family.”
Mr Noll said he hoped Penola, Beachport and Southend would be looked at for coverage soon.
“This service must be provided to all communities within the Wattle Range Council area and beyond at the earliest opportunity,” Mr Noll said.
“I look forward to Telstra continuing to upgrade and introduce new services that will benefit our communities.”
