Jay Fegan
Residents of the Southern Downs have long been expressing their growing frustrations over the noticeable lack of mobile reception. With poor or inconsistent reception and mobile network congestion the issue not only impacts personal communications but also raises concerns for residents, local business and emergency services that rely on mobile connectivity.
Mrs Mitchell, a Yangan local, battles with ongoing mobile dropouts and slow internet speeds. “On overcast or rainy days, I don’t use my computer," she said. "I have no mobile internet reception at al."
Like many others, Mrs Mitchell relies on mobile internet due lack of infrastructure and to not having access to fixed line NBN services.
As communication remains a priority for emergency services, a QPS spokesperson commented: “The Queensland Police Service (QPS) prioritises community safety, and several initiatives are ongoing to ensure the highest levels of service delivery are maintained at all times."
QPS went on to say they are continually seeking to improve and evolve its operations, both publicly and internally. "This includes examining best-use options for investment of new and improved infrastructure, and communications and operational technology", the spokeperson said.
There has also been speculation whether mobile networks will be further impacted with the recent shutdown of 3G services. Killarney resident, Mr Atkins told our newspaper that, “Since 3G services were turned off I have lost Vodafone reception in Killarney. My phone is always in ‘roaming’ mode, which I hope will not incur any additional costs, until I switch to another network."
With issues already compounding, telecommunications companies Telstra and Vodafone have been slow to respond to The T&C Journal's questions, with no responses received as of this issues publication.
As residents continue to advocate for better mobile coverage and network speeds, the hope is that the Southern Downs region will soon see improvements with communication infrastructure. Without decisive action, many fear the region may fall further behind in an increasingly digital world.
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