Optus has increased its mobile phone coverage in Victoria, bringing 175 new or upgraded base stations online since March 2000.

Keir Preedy, Director Mobile Network Systems and Programs said Optus was dedicated to improving the reach and quality of its mobile service.

"We are continuing to invest in our Victorian network to boost mobile coverage. In addition to increased coverage, Optus's focus is on continuous improvement to call quality, which means reducing call congestion and call drop-outs," he said.

According to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) Performance Monitoring Bulletin for March 2001, Optus has the lowest call congestion rate in Victoria when compared with other carriers.

"We recognise the need to service metropolitan and rural areas and are continually striving to provide service to new locations wherever possible," Mr Preedy said.

Optus has increased its capacity in tourist areas such as the Victorian snowfields including Dinner Plain, Alexandra and Yarck.

Coverage has also been improved at Phillip Island, in particular the Phillip Island race track and Bonnie Doon town, providing better coverage to travellers heading for the northern shore of Lake Eildon.

Optus customers will also enjoy near-continuous car kit coverage along the Midland Highway between Mansfield and Benalla, along the Dandenong-Hastings road and in north-western Victoria between Elmore, Stanhope and Rushworth.

There are plans for another 141 new or upgraded facilities including base stations, microcells or 1800Mhz enhancements to be delivered throughout Victoria by March 2002.

With 3.7 million mobile customers, a third of the nation's mobile subscribers are using the Optus network.

For more information visit Optus's Network Coverage.

For more information:
Donna Clatworthy
Cable & Wireless Optus
Tel: 02 9342 8343