Kirup is one of five regional communities set to benefit from fast 4G mobile coverage on Australia’s largest mobile network as part of Telstra’s $165 million commitment to the federal government’s mobile black spot program.
Telstra Area General Manager Boyd Brown said rolling out the small cell technology was part of Telstra’s commitment to expand its 4G coverage to 99 per cent of the Australian population by June 2017.
Mr Brown said aloongisde Kirup the towns of Calingiri, Coolup, Gin Gin West, and Tammin would benefit from small cell technology.
“The growing use of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets is changing the way we live and work and this innovative small cell technology is making this happen in these WA communities,” he said.
“The introduction of fast 4G data services will mean locals can access social media and video on the go for the first time as well as increased opportunities for local businesses.
Mr Brown said the five small cells sites, which are being funded solely by Telstra, were in addition to 128 WA communities which will benefit from expanded Telstra 3G and 4G coverage under round one of the mobile black spot program.
A small cell is a miniature version of a standard mobile base station that is traditionally used to boost coverage and capacity in densely populated urban areas.
Telstra has reworked the technology and will use small cells to deliver 4G data services to a selected area in small towns and communities.
At this stage, the small cell technology can provide data services only; however, Telstra are working on implementing voice over LTE technology which will in due course allow customers to make voice calls using 4G.
