Woodend has new mobile coverage from a Telstra mobile base station on the top of the Coles supermarket in High Street.
Telstra’s regional engagement manager and local resident, Marcus Swinburne, said the base station would improve Telstra’s 4G coverage and capacity and bring new 5G services in the central and southern parts of Woodend.
“Telstra understands how important access to connectivity in regional communities is and the huge benefits and opportunities it can provide,” Mr Swinburne said.
“With its hills and vegetation, Macedon Ranges Shire can be a challenging area to deliver mobile coverage.
“Previously our coverage in the area came from our base station on Mount Macedon. We know residents have been looking forward to better connectivity and I’m pleased we’ve been able to bring it on-air.”
Mr Swinburne said this was the first of three base stations Telstra hoped to build in the next couple of years.
“There will be a new site at Tylden constructed in partnership with the commonwealth government and we are also in talks with NBN about co-locating a new base station on their tower to improve coverage in Woodend North,” he said.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said mobile connectivity was a strategic priority for council.
“We have been partnering with providers such as Telstra to identify opportunities where we can assist with the delivery of improved mobile connectivity across the shire,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We are excited with the completion of Telstra’s first site in Woodend and its future plans.
“This new mobile tower will make a difference for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Local resident Deidre Willmont said she understood the challenges Telstra had faced in trying to improve connectivity in the area.
“I look forward to being better connected when I am out and about in Woodend,” she said.
