Community call to share mobile experiences

LOCAL residents and businesses who have experienced mobile coverage issues and “drop-outs” in Armstrong Creek and the surrounding area are encouraged to share their experiences and help improve the service.

In response to increasing concerns about mobile coverage in rapidly growing Armstrong Creek and her own experiences, Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said she would host an online community session to gauge the extent of the problem.

Ms Coker has also launched a petition for residents who want to support a call for improved mobile coverage in the area.

“My office is getting complaints about a lack of mobile phone coverage and frequent call drop-outs around Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed,” she said.

“My own calls drop out often as I’m travelling about Armstrong Creek on official business; it’s frustrating and shouldn’t be the case in such a populated area.

“And for many people it’s more than simply frustrating; it’s a matter of life or death.

“I’m aware of people who have experienced serious medical conditions being unable to call for help due to poor mobile coverage.

“If the problem is as widespread as I suspect, I’ll be taking people’s concerns directly to the management of the three big mobile phone carriers.”

Ms Coker said she would push for federal government mobile phone ‘black spot’ funding to improve coverage in the Armstrong Creek area.

“Sometimes phone companies claim there is adequate coverage when that’s not always the case,” she said.

“With the help of people in Armstrong Creek, I’ll get a good understanding of where the problem areas are.

“I’m urging Armstrong Creek people to tell me about their mobile phone coverage issues, sign my petition and consider attending a virtual community meeting to discuss mobile phone issues.”

People who have experienced problems can find out more about the petition and virtual community meeting on October 13 at 7pm at libbycoker.com.au/arcmobile