Farrer MP Sussan Ley joined with local community members at Jindera’s Recreation Reserve today expressing concern with ongoing patchy and unreliable Telstra mobile phone coverage around Jindera.

Telstra has had approvals in place since January to install 4G/5G antennas on the existing Optus tower at the reserve, a move which would dramatically improve the telco’s range and signal strength outside the town boundary.

Ms Ley says Telstra – which recorded a $1.8b operating profit last year – informed her it did not have the budget to do the work, with a possibility the connection could now be pushed back to 2026!

“Telstra needs to get moving on this”, Ms Ley said.

“We have one of the border’s fastest growth areas here in Jindera (increasing about 4% pa), with Greater Hume Council projecting the population could hit 8,000 by 2050.

“To attract people to areas like this, you need good health facilities nearby, you need quality education options, BUT you also need an ability to communicate.

“That means reliable mobile service and adequate internet speeds, all of the time.

“Right now, Telstra is really letting this community down, with Optus and NBN routinely delivering far better coverage.”

Optus Regional Manager Matt Connell attended the community meeting and outlined the company’s free 7-Day Mobile Network Trial, which allows anyone to keep their existing phone (accessing Telstra) but switch to the Optus signal when this was stronger.

“Customers with a relatively modern phone can effortlessly enrol in the trial and switch between their current provider and Optus, allowing a direct comparison without any disruption to their existing service.”

Meanwhile NBN says it plans to enhance and expand its Fixed Wireless footprint on their separate tower in Jindera by December this year.

Picture: courtesy The Border Mail (James Wiltshire)