Farrer MP Sussan Ley has welcomed a decision by Telstra to install 4g/5g antennas at Jindera’s Recreation Reserve before the end of the year.

Ms Ley launched a town-wide petition last month stepping up pressure on the telco after continuing complaints of mobile dropouts and signal capacity issues surrounding the town.

The upgrade will shift Telstra phone cells from a smaller tower in the town centre – co-locating on a taller Optus tower – significantly boosting coverage around Jindera and Glenellen as well as parts of Ettamogah & Bungowannah.

Telstra has confirmed transmission fibre work is scheduled from early next month, with a completion date of 23 December, barring unforeseen delays.

“It’s a welcome Christmas present to this community who have waited far too long to have this mobile service upgraded”, Ms Ley said.

“Jindera is one of the border’s fastest growing areas, increasing in population by about four percent every year.

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

“An estimated delay of up to two years – the previous timeframe offered by Telstra – was completely unacceptable. Bringing this project forward is a good move; it’s the right move.”

Optus and NBN installed towers at Jindera’s Recreation Reserve a number of years ago, with NBN announcing a high-speed wireless option from the site (up to 400mbps  download speeds) from next month.