Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News
The unveiling of a long-awaited phone tower in Keilira last week should have seen the community celebrating, but some residents remain concerned about a lack of coverage.
Telstra officially launched its new 4G mobile phone tower on Minnie Crowe Road at Keilira on Monday, 21 February. The 40-metre high tower cost almost $900,000, delivered thanks to a $663,360 contribution from the State Government through its South Australian Mobile Phone Black Spot Fund, a $178,340 contribution from Telstra, and $50,000 from Kingston District Council.
Liberal Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the tower would provide improved connectivity for homes, farms, and businesses.
“For far too long the people have Keilira have had their calls for improved mobile coverage ignored,” Mr McBride said.
“A reliable mobile phone service makes a significant difference for people living and working in remote areas.
“This will improve safety for those in the Keilira area as well as open up new business opportunities.”
Keilira was devastated by a bushfire in 2019 which burnt through more than 25,000 hectares, impacted 22 properties, and claimed about 3000 livestock.
Kingston District Council had been lobbying for a phone tower to cover the black spot for years without success.
However, when the Keilira community had little to no reception during the bushfire it highlighted the desperate need for improved service.
Acting regional general manager for Telstra in SA Michael Patterson said the new tower would provide vital mobile connectivity.
“A reliable mobile phone service makes a significant difference for families, individuals and businesses living and working in remote areas,” Mr Patterson said.
“This will improve safety for those in the Keilira area as well as potentially open up new economic opportunities.”
While the base station will only provide full connectivity for Telstra customers, anyone will be able to call Triple Zero, regardless of their network provider.
“In emergency situations, this could prove a lifesaver,” Mr Patterson said.
Telstra’s testing and commissioning phase for the tower will conclude in the next few weeks.
While some locals were able to connect calls and access mobile internet on the day of the tower launch, others are still yet to see a single bar of reception.
Kingston District Council Mayor Kay Rasheed said council had written to Telstra with concerns over the placement of the tower after residents reported they were unable to receive adequate coverage.
“There has been concern from the community, particularly those that were affected by the fire, that their coverage hadn’t really improved all that much or they’re not getting any coverage at all,” Ms Rasheed said.
In a response, Telstra said it would undertake some research and return to council with formal advice on the site of the base station.
“We are aware of issues with the antenna servicing customers located to the south of the site and if this aligns to the location of the customers providing feedback, we will improve the service,” Telstra said.
However, Ms Rasheed said the reports of poor coverage were mostly coming from residents to the north of the site.
“Any coverage is better than none, so we were really pleased we’ve been able to get a phone tower out there,” she said.
“We’re hoping the reception will continue to improve.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
