MOBILE phone towers in Mallee will be able to keep operating longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, following an investment by the Federal Government.
The government is funding Telstra and Optus to extend the battery back-up at 15 mobile phone towers in Mallee, to provide a minimum of 12 hours of back-up power.
Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said telecommunications, including mobile phone towers, need reliable power sources to operate.
“Telecommunications — including mobile phone towers — rely on power to operate,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for communities during and after a natural disaster.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said extending the battery life of the mobile phone towers would increase telecommunications resilience in the Mallee and Wimmera.
“The Morrison-McCormack Government is investing in battery back-up to keep mobile phone towers operating longer when the power goes out during or after natural disasters,” Dr Webster said.
The government is providing $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia under stage 1 of the program.
