Mobile towers go live in Winchelsea and Birregurra

BASE station towers have just been switched on in Winchelsea and Birregurra, improving mobile phone coverage in and around the two towns.

Telstra has activated Winchelsea’s first 5G mobile base station, bringing the latest mobile technology to the town for the first time.

Winchelsea is the first town in the Colac Otway region and among the first towns in Victoria to experience the new 5G network, and joins Geelong, Warrnambool and more than 60 other cities and towns across Australia in the rollout.

Telstra 5G is available across selected parts of Winchelsea including Princes Highway, Willis Street, Main Street, Barwon Terrace, Winchelsea Railway Station and Eastern Reserve, with further rollouts and upgrades to occur in the coming weeks and months to expand the 5G footprint in the area.

“It’s really exciting Winchelsea is the first town in the Colac Otway region and among the first towns in Victoria to now have access to 5G connectivity,” Telstra regional general manager Loretta Willaton said. “Telstra has always been dedicated to connecting people in regional Australia and ensuring they are amongst the first to experience the latest mobile technology.

“We’ve made a commitment to roll out Telstra’s 5G network to more areas across regional Australia and that’s exactly what we’re delivering in Winchelsea.

“Telstra has been leading the way in pioneering 5G technology with a number of world and Australian firsts – and making 5G technology available to Australian consumers.

“Now with the first 5G site on air, customers in Winchelsea have a chance to be part of that cutting edge.”

Further to the west in Birregurra, the new mobile base station is part of the federal government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the new site would dramatically improve mobile phone coverage for locals and visitors to the town.

“Switching on this new mobile phone base station will end those frustrating black spots locals and visitors to Birregurra know all too well, meaning better connectivity for the local community.

“I want to thank everyone for working so hard to deliver this very significant improvement in mobile phone coverage supported by vital funding from the Morrison Government.

“I have been proud to join with the Birregurra community to fight for improved mobile reception since we staged a protest over the removal of Telstra’s cell on wheels in 2013.

“At that time, it was not even possible to make or receive a phone call in the main street.”

Ms Willaton said the new site would improve upon Telstra’s existing coverage across the Colac Otways and Victoria’s south-west coast.

“Switching on this new mobile site removes a notorious black spot at Birregurra, bringing dedicated Telstra mobile coverage to the township and wider district for the first time.

“The new mobile site will boost Telstra mobile coverage in the Birregurra township, wider district and areas up to the Princes Highway and across to Cape Otway Road.”