A RIVERLAND town is among the first in regional South Australia to have access to the latest generation of mobile technology, with Telstra switching on 5G services in Berri last week.
The new 5G infrastructure was installed throughout early July, with the new technology providing better capacity and speed for mobile users.
Telstra regional general manager Mark Bolton apologised for service disruptions caused by the upgrade, but said the new infrastructure would provide “terrific service”.
“We tried to keep the impacts down to a minimum and I think the team did a pretty good job,” he said.
“I know people were impacted in Berri, so we are very sorry for that, but the result is now we have a terrific service and the first 5G service in this area.”
Mr Bolton said data speeds on the new 5G network were “impressive”.
“It’s great for growers and great for any operation that requires high-speed or new technology, so it’s going to deliver a new level of speed, service, capacity and performance in the Riverland,” he said.
“People with modern 4G devices will also see improved service as well.
“You should be able to do the things you need to do on your current devices quicker.”
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said the new service would “bring the Riverland in line with the modern era of technology”.
“The speed is outstanding and it gives us greater capacity in terms of bandwidth,” he said.
“I’d like to now see more towers rolled out with 5G capability because that’s what everyone expects in today’s modern age.
“The need for this technology has been highlighted particularly with COVID-19.
“You have people working from home, businesses are now decentralising, and that means we’re going to need the 5G capability.
“It’s something that the Riverland needs to be more competitive… and I think it’s really exciting.”
Mr Bolton said other Riverland towns would also be upgraded to the 5G network over time as part of a progressive roll out.
“We haven’t got any dates for the other Riverland locations at the moment, but you are going to see 5G technology rolled out throughout regional South Australia over the coming months and years,” he said.
A new mobile base station was also switched on in Bower last week as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, providing 3G and 4GX coverage in the area.
The new base station joins 10 others in the broader Riverland area, including sites at Murtho, Renmark North, Monash and Blanchetown.
Mr Bolton said switching on the base station was an “important moment” for people living the area.
“Mobile connectivity plays a major role in connecting friends and families, businesses, farms, tourist spots and essential services across Australia and around the world,” he said.
Telstra has so far delivered more than 500 base stations around Australia through the Mobile Black Spot Program.