Optus say the new tower in the suburb of Southside will help improve 4G mobile coverage across the Gympie region.

Optus’ Territory general manager for Wide Bay, Mungo O’Brien, said, “Optus remains committed to providing fast and effective mobile and internet coverage for customers across Wide Bay.

“In the past 12 months, we have built new sites in Garapine, North Monkland, Goomeri, Cooloola Cove, Widgee Crossing South and have just switched on a new tower in Southside.

“Optus has invested $1.3 million across region last financial year and these new sites will provide improved indoor and outdoor mobile coverage and increase downloads speeds for locals and visitors to the Gympie area as well as motorists travelling along the Bruce Highway.”

In addition to these new sites, Optus says it has plans to invest a further $500,000 in the Wide Bay region — where Gympie is located — in this financial year by building a new site in Tin Can Bay central.

“We understand it’s important that our customers have strong mobile coverage when they are working and living in regional Australia, which is why we are continuing to invest in regional Queensland and across Wide Bay,” O’Brien added.

Local Optus franchisee Ricky and Libby Manthey said the completion of the new mobile tower in Southside would help strengthen mobile coverage in the suburb and surrounds.

“Optus is continuing to invest in its mobile network across the Wide Bay region and as the local franchisee here in Gympie, it’s great to know our customers are continuing to see an improving Optus network in the region,” said Manthey.