Optus intends to boost mobile coverage for customers by making upgrades to five ACT mobile base stations and two others in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The works will include the installation of radio remote unit technologies to improve 4G mobile coverage in Canberra and Queanbeyan in the hope to improve data coverage for customers.
"Improved data coverage is particularly important as customers are increasingly using their phones for high-speed streaming, browsing, and downloading," an Optus spokesperson said.
Optus spent $196 million in 2016 purchasing licences in the 1800MHz band to expand its regional spectrum, reduce dead zones for data to ensure customers had a seamless 4G experience wherever they went.
In October that year the telco introduced the capacity enhancement to customers in Torrens, Latham, Richardson and along Majura Road.
In May this year the 1800MHz spectrum band became nationally available for commercial use and Optus has been working to ensure all stations are ready to take advantage of it.
Planned upgrades at Flynn, O'Malley, Pearce , Monash, Kambah, Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan are expected to be finalised before the end of the year.
Community consultation on the upgrades has given rise to concerns about increased radiation as the works boost the electromagnetic energy around each station.
Radio Frequency National site archive reports show the Monash station, set between Isabella and Ashley Drives, has a current maximum EME level calculated at 2.98 per cent of the public exposure limit which is set to rise to 3.31 per cent when proposed alterations are complete.
Of all seven stations set to be upgraded, the Kambah Pool Road station is set to have the largest EME output after the alterations, reaching 5.74 per cent of the public exposure limit.
The Optus spokesperson said the company adhered to strict procedures to ensure its mobile base stations complied with relevant guidelines.
"Optus understands the community's concern about electro magnetic emissions and can assure residents that we rely on the expert advice of national and international health authorities such as the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, and the World Health Organisation for overall assessments of health and safety impacts," the spokesman said.
The public is urged to contact Optus with any concerns about the planned works via 0431 188 112, adrian.dube.ext@nokia.com and or from www.rfnsa.com.au by searching the station's site numbers.
