Mobile phone connectivity in parts of the North West should receive a welcome boost with the introduction of improved telecommunications infrastructure delivered as part of the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was recently onsite at North Star where a new radio base will be built.
He said there would be enhanced mobile telecommunications coverage along the Narrabri to North Star rail corridor and up to 10 to 15 kilometres either side of the alignment.
“Inland Rail will be the fast freight backbone that will transform how goods are moved around Australia, so it is absolutely critical that we ensure the track is set up for the best success in the way of infrastructure and mobile communications,” Mr Coulton said.
“The partnership between the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Telstra will deliver work at a number of sites between Narrabri and North Star. We will see a new radio base station in North Star, a new small cell in Croppa Creek, an upgrade to the existing base station in Gurley and a new radio base station in Crooble.
“In early 2021, I announced a feasibility study to confirm the site-specific technical approach, schedule and cost to improve mobile service within the North West and I’m now excited to make the findings of this study a reality.
“These upgrades, which are required for safe working systems and rail control once Inland Rail is operational, will also provide communities in the North West with ongoing benefits in the form of improved mobile coverage.”
The enhancements to mobile phone connectivity along the route are expected to be rolled out across the next 12 months.
Telstra will manage the ongoing operations and maintenance once the infrastructure has been delivered.
Read more on the Inland Rail project:
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- Newell Highway project tenders open
- Rail agreements progress
