Council Seeks Residents Input on Telstra Service Following 3G to 4G Transition

Goondiwindi Regional Council has engaged with Telstra representatives to facilitate a visit to the region. This visit is crucial in determining recent drops in mobile service availability experienced by residents following the national transition from the 3G to 4G network. Residents’ insights and reports are invaluable for this visit.

Telstra has previously advised that the transition is about providing a better experience for customers, with a commitment that people who could access the 3G network would get the same or better coverage on 4G. However, Council is responding to concerns from residents who have reported a decline in service compared to what they received with 3G technology.

The automated Telstra 4G maps indicate that service is being delivered in areas where residents are now reporting reduced or no reception.  Residents’ active participation in identifying the problem areas will greatly contribute to the resolution of issues.

Councillor Susie Kelly, the portfolio holder of Technology said “We know how important a reliable mobile network is to rural businesses and households and we want improved services, not reduced services. I’m encouraging residents to make contact with me by 5th July to outline the specific locations where service has been reduced so this information can better prepare Telstra for their visit.”

Council is also preparing a submission for the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, and locals are encouraged to report issues to Council about black spots or specific examples of how the lack of connectivity is impacting their business or household. 

Cr Kelly stated, "Council continues to advocate on behalf of its residents, and the feedback gathered around mobile network upgrades and black spots will be collated for the telecommunication providers and the Australian government to demonstrate the challenges that need solutions for our region. Four years ago Council made a submission to the 2021 Review and our recommendations are expected to be largely the same."

To Help Us Advocate for Improved Service:

• Report specific locations of mobile service loss: If you have a specific location where you previously had mobile service but can no longer receive a signal following the 3G transition, please contact Council using the details below. We need this information by 5 July to inform the route for the Telstra representatives' visit.
• Report black spot issues: If you have additional information or specific examples of how a lack of reliable telecommunications is impacting your household or business, we encourage you to submit directly to the Australian Government's National Telecommunications Review at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review. Alternatively, you can contact Council on the details below by 5 July.

To provide details of telecommunication service issues, please contact:

Cr Susie Kelly

Email: skelly@grc.qld.gov.au OR Phone 0427 712 250