Vodafone brings increased coverage and choice to Invergowrie
Mobile Black Spot Programme rollout continues in New England
Vodafone has announced it has completed construction of a new mobile base station at Invergowrie near Armidale in north-west NSW, as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme.
The site, which will be operational in early August, will provide increased coverage and competition to Invergowrie and surrounding area.
Vodafone Chief Technology Officer Benoit Hanssen said the site will deliver 108 square kilometres of new handheld coverage to more than 400 homes, as well as additional coverage of Armidale Airport.
“The new site will also provide contiguous coverage between Invergowrie and Armidale,” said Mr Hanssen.
“This means people travelling between Invergowrie and Armidale via Bundarra Road will receive reliable service on the Vodafone network.
“Coverage from this site will also reach Saumarez Ponds and Arding, down towards the New England Highway.
“Through this site, we’ve actually been able to address two locations on the national database of reported mobile black spots at Invergowrie and Arding.
“We’re proud to be participating in the Mobile Black Spot Programme as it makes a real difference to the lives of people living in areas such as Invergowie, not just through greater coverage, but also through more choice of provider due to increased competition.”
Mr Hanssen said the site builds on Vodafone’s significant commitment to the region.
“In total, we’re building 26 new sites in the New England area, with 18 being rolled out as part of round one of the Mobile Black Spot Programme and an additional eight sites under a $2 million-plus investment by Vodafone,” he said.
“The completion of the Invergowrie site follows on from the opening of our Armidale store and the switching on of a new site at White Rock Wind Farm near Glen Innes last year.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the tower was one of 28 new base stations being delivered in the electorate under Round 1 of the Programme.
“Mobile coverage is vital to the people of New England, who are increasingly reliant on mobile devices to conduct business, manage farms and keep in touch,” said Mr Joyce.
“This tower will provide high-speed 4G mobile data and voice services in and around Invergowrie and is an important step forward for the region.”
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