Telstra will upgrade its mobile base station in Salamander Bay this month to bring better 4G services and new 5G coverage to the area.

But, the works require a series of temporary outages or a reduction in existing signals.

The latest improvements are set to impact mobile coverage in Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point, at various times, from Thursday 18 to Thursday 25 January.

Telstra regional general manager Michael Marom said reception would still be provided from other sites in the region.

“We have additional mobile base stations in the area, which will help provide some coverage,” he explained.

“Outdoor reception should be available.

“However, coverage and data speeds inside your home or business may be affected during these periods.

“If all goes according to plan and weather permitting, residents should notice an improvement in mobile services by 25 January.”

Customers will also receive text messages advising of the upcoming work.

Landline and NBN internet services, and mobile coverage, from other providers will not be impacted.

“While our crews need to work during daylight for safety, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and have it back on as quickly as possible,” Mr Marom said.

“There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work.

“But, once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents.

“As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity.

“And, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point are another example of our commitment.

“Over the past seven years to the end of FY23, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this regionally.”

Once completed, Salamander Bay will join more than 4,900 Telstra 5G sites on-air within selected areas of more than 400 cities and towns across Australia.

Tips for improving connectivity while works are underway

• For mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a wi-fi signal at home or at work, Telstra encourages them to activate wi-fi calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a Wi-Fi network to make and receive mobile calls. To find out more they can google Telstra wifi calling or just search in your settings icon on your phone
• Many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals. However, Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network; it is operated by financial institutions. Many EFTPOS terminals can also be connected using fixed line or Wi-Fi/nbn internet connections. Retailers should contact their bank for more information and details on how to switch between these methods to ensure continuous service

For customers wishing to access 5G, they will need a 5G capable device so for some people, that may mean upgrading their current device.

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