Four mobile towers in the North will be able to keep operating longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, thanks to a major new investment by the Federal Government.
The Government is funding Telstra to extend the battery back-up by at least 12 hours at Dooralong, Lemon Tree, Wyong Creek and Yarramalong telecommunications towers.
Senator for NSW, Jim Molan, said mobile phone towers needed reliable power sources to operate and were vital during emergencies to keep communities safe, connected and informed, as well as getting crucial and timely information to emergency personnel.
In total, the Federal Government will provide $13.2M to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back-up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia, under stage one of the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters program.
As part of the package, a $2.1M public communication program will be delivered over the next two bushfire seasons to provide practical information and advice for communities and businesses about how to keep connected during emergencies.
These measures, and many others, form part of the Government’s $650M National Bushfire Response Package.
Sue Murray