New phones from Australia Post improve mobile coverage

Indigo Telecom is rolling out new, dual-mode mobile phones in Australia Post offices, particularly in the Tahmoor, Wollondilly-shire (New South Wales), where mobile coverage has traditionally been problematic. The phones can use the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or satellite networks, which ensure good mobile phone coverage no matter where you are.

Indigo Telecom chief executive David Ruddiman said Tahmoor residents were among the Australians forgotten by the big telecommunication companies.

“The dual-mode phone can access both GSM and satellite, giving the user extended coverage across 100 per cent of Australia and out at sea,” Mr Ruddiman said.

“Should you be close to town the device will connect to the normal GSM network like any other mobile phone, but the difference is when you hit a black spot or there is no GSM coverage at all, the phone lets you roam on to satellite.”

Wollondilly shire has experienced poor mobile coverage for years, in areas including Tahmoor.

In 2008, the Macarthur Chronicle reported on Wollondilly Council’s fight to get a better service, as poor mobile coverage plagued areas such as The Oaks and Oakdale.