Optus has significantly improved coverage along the Glenelg Highway between Ballarat and Hamilton by completing five key sites along the route in the last month.

Optus now provides near continuous coverage along the 160 Kilometre stretch of highway between Ballarat and Hamilton with a further site planned for Smythesdale towards the end of the year.

Rob Parcell, Director Victoria, said Optus was committed to improving coverage in regional Victoria especially along key highways.

"The Glenelg Highway is an important stretch of road and a major corridor for the transport industry between Victoria and South Australia. Improving coverage along this route was a high priority for Optus," Mr Parcell said.

Sites switched on in the last month include:

• Skipton;
• Westmere;
• Glenthompson;
• Dunkeld; and
• Lake Bolac.

A site at Linton was turned on late last year. Robert Bell, owner and manager of Ballarat Communications said customer feedback on the improved coverage was very positive.

"Over the last 12 months, coverage in the greater Ballarat and Wendouree areas has improved significantly.

"Many customers have commented they feel safer knowing they can use their mobile with a car kit and have mobile coverage all the way from Ballarat to Hamilton.

"Now customers living and working in the South West have a choice of mobile network. And some customers are trying Optus and Optus data services, such as mobile email, for the first time," Mr Bell said.

An additional eight base station sites will be built over the coming months to further extend coverage west of Hamilton along the Glenelg Highway. These improvements will enable Optus customers to experience optimum coverage as they travel from Ballarat to Kingston SE in South Australia.

Media Contact:
Germaine Graham
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5042
Mob: 0413 029 885