Vodafone switches on first Queensland Mobile Black Spot Program site

Vodafone Australia, together with the Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud, today announced 4G services¹ are now available in Cooyar, Queensland.

Cooyar is Vodafone’s first Queensland site to be switched on as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

About 744 square kilometres of additional voice and data coverage will be provided, including more than 260 households, as well as along the New England Highway and Oakey-Cooyar Road thanks to the new 4G site.

Vodafone Chief Technology Officer Kevin Millroy said the company’s new site in Cooyar is part of the company’s continued network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and services in Queensland.

“Vodafone is pleased to be switching our first Queensland site in Cooyar. This wouldn’t have been possible without the joint effort of government and business under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, which remains dedicated to improving network services for regional Australians Australia,” said Mr Millroy.

“Vodafone is committed to expanding its network to help fuel economic growth and jobs, and enable customers to quickly access the applications, services and content that matters most to them.

“More than ever before, customers look to mobile communications to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues. Customers in Cooyar will now benefit from enhanced network coverage and performance.”

By the end of 2017, Vodafone will deliver another three new sites to extend its mobile network within the Maranoa electorate, including one in Kumbia and another in Drillham that is being funded by the company and currently under construction.

Once completed, the Drillham and Kumbia sites will deliver a total of over 280 square kilometres of additional coverage in the region, including along Bunya Highway, Kearneys Road, Kumbia-Brooklands Road, and Warrego Highway.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said residents of Cooyar – and soon in Kumbia and Drillham – will be able to take advantage of 4G services thanks to Vodafone’s investment in the region.

“The building and strengthening of network connections through the Federal Government’s Mobile Phone Black Spot Program is crucial to Maranoa’s future prosperity.” Mr Littleproud said.

“Mobile black spots in the area have long hindered emergency services, business and tourism – that’s why this program is so important for rural communities.”

According to a recent study by Deloitte², more than 79 per cent of Australian adults own a smartphone, and 86 per cent of Australians use smartphones to access the internet.

Minister for Regional Communications Fiona Nash said round one of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program would deliver 499 mobile phone towers covering some 3,000 coverage black spots across the nation, extending coverage to 26,000 homes and businesses across 165,000 square kilometres.

“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and good telecommunications is a big part of that,” Minister Nash said.

“Being a farmer from central NSW myself, I know how important mobile coverage is and I’m proud the Coalition is delivering it to Cooyar.”

Vodafone customers “won’t need to upgrade their smartphone”

Mr Millroy said all the major smartphones already work on Vodafone’s low-band 4G 850MHz network, including the popular iPhone and Samsung GALAXY models.

“What it means for customers is that they’ll notice the 4G or LTE symbol on their phone more often,” said Mr Millroy.

Low-band spectrum, such as 850MHz, is well suited to providing high quality indoor mobile coverage as the lower frequency signal penetrates buildings better than higher frequency signals. Low-band spectrum is also well suited to providing coverage over broad areas in regional Australia.

Risk-free network user trial

To encourage people in Cooyar to trial its network, Vodafone is offering new customers a money-back 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee³.

Under the 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee, if a new postpaid customer is not satisfied with Vodafone’s network within the first 30 days, they can cancel their contract, no questions asked. Vodafone will also refund any monthly access fees and monthly handset instalments paid by the customer as long as the equipment and device are returned to a Vodafone store within 10 days of making the claim. The 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee is also available for business customers with up to 9 connections.

In conjunction with the revamped 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee, Vodafone is also offering unlimited data⁴ for the first month to new customers who sign up to a selected 12 or 24 month phone plan to use within Australia.

Mr Millroy said the company’s new network guarantee demonstrates that Vodafone is prepared to walk the talk on network satisfaction and ultimately put the power in people’s hands.

“Our new guarantee is an invitation for Australians who may be feeling unsatisfied with their current provider to experience everything Vodafone has to offer,” said Mr Millroy.

“We have invested significantly in our 4G network in recent years, and Vodafone’s 4G network is performing better than ever. We are proud to offer a guarantee which demonstrates our commitment to being transparent about our network performance. With our new program, people don’t need to take our word for it, they can experience the difference for themselves.”

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Notes to editors

Vodafone’s interactive regional mobile investment map includes the locations and timings of the 102 sites in regional areas it is building by the end of 2017.

1: 4G is available with a compatible 4G device. To find out where we have 4G see vodafone.com.au/coverage.

2: Deloitte Mobile Consumer Study 2015

3: If you’ve signed up to any new plan and you don’t love our network within the first 30 days, you’re welcome to cancel by calling 1300551198. You must pay for what you’ve used (incl Mobile Payment Plans) up until your number is fully transferred and device and equipment in original packaging with proof of purchase returned to a Vodafone (not dealer) store within 10 days of your claim. One claim per person. Accessories not refunded. This guarantee does not affect any other rights or remedies you may have under consumer law. Full terms and conditions at vodafone.com.au/guarantee.

4: Personal Use Only. Available until 30/06/17 for new customers signing up to a 12 or 24 month plan (excludes Business Shared Infinite, Business Flex, Red Business Shared & Red Business Grow and upgrades). If you perform a Rate Plan Change during the unlimited data period, your eligibility ceases & additional data fees will apply. Fair Use Policy applies: see www.vodafone.com.au/aboutvodafone/legal/fairusepolicy. For the first billing month any additional data usage within Australia will be free.