Optus will switch on 11 new mobile towers this financial year, and Vodafone plans to bring coverage to Barraba with three new sites under the federal government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The investment is vital to deliver more coverage to regional areas Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.

“This is real infrastructure, real investment being delivered in the New England electorate to make sure regional communities like ours can provide residents and businesses with the mobile coverage they need and deserve,” he said.

The towers will provide improved 4G mobile coverage and capacity to receive calls, texts and access mobile data.

New sites have been identified in Emerald Hill, Kingswood, Piallamore, Moonbi, Curlews, Bendemeer, Tamworth Oxley Vale, Attunga, Duri, Tamworth East and Barraba Central.

Optus will inject $4.3 million into its mobile network in the region North West manager Chris Simon said.

“These new sites will join the recently completed tower in Caroll, that will improve coverage for locals and mobile reception along the Oxley Highway, he said.

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“Optus’ network investment in and around Tamworth will not only provide improved connectivity, it will also provide real choice and competition for residents in the region.”

The Vodafone towers will extend mobile services to an additional 2330 homes and businesses, closing the gap for residents in Barraba and Manilla.

It adds more than 770 square kilometres of coverage Vodafone regional manager Kevin Biles said.

“The sites mark the first time locals in Barraba have access to 4G mobile coverage, giving them the opportunity to take advantage of the many benefits mobile communication offers,” he said.

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