Telstra customers in Maclean can expect temporary mobile outages from next week, as upgrade works get underway to improve the local 4G and 5G network.
The works will begin on Thursday 9 April and run for around eight days, with the mobile base station switched off for periods of up to 10 hours at a time to allow construction to be completed safely.
While disruptions are expected, Telstra says the upgrades will significantly improve network performance once complete, delivering faster downloads, smoother streaming and reduced congestion.
Telstra Regional General Manager Michael Marom said the work is necessary to meet growing demand on the network.
“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country,” Mr Marom said.
“As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G/5G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion for customers.”
Customers will be notified of the outages via text message ahead of the works.
Mr Marom said Telstra would aim to minimise disruption wherever possible.
“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible,” he said.
Telstra has confirmed the outages will not impact landline services, NBN connections, satellite internet or mobile coverage from other providers.
Importantly, calls to Triple Zero from Telstra mobiles will still be connected during outages, automatically switching to another available network where possible.
Customers are encouraged to enable Wi-Fi Calling on their devices, which allows calls and texts to be made over a Wi-Fi connection during periods of disruption.
Local businesses are also advised to ensure EFTPOS terminals are connected to NBN or Wi-Fi to avoid transaction delays while mobile services are temporarily unavailable.
The upgrade is part of Telstra’s broader network improvements, aimed at supporting increasing data use and improving service reliability across regional areas.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au