City circle commuters enjoy network expansion

Today Telstra customers travelling through the City Circle line will benefit from new mobile network coverage allowing them to stay connected as they ride the rails through the city. Additionally, Telstra has now brought 4G technology to Martin Place, St James and Museum stations.

Anthony Goonan, Director Network Engineering said whether talking on the phone, updating their Facebook page, playing ‘Words With Friends’ or streaming music, customers will no longer lose network coverage as their train enters the City Circle line.

“Losing internet service or having calls drop out when you enter the City Circle can be extremely frustrating, especially if it’s an important work or family call,” said Mr Goonan.

“From today both 3G and 4G network coverage is available in the City Circle tunnels, meaning customers will be able to keep their connection, regardless of what device they are using.”

Telstra and the other mobile network operators worked closely with the NSW Rail Authority to extend mobile network coverage in the City Circle.

This additional underground coverage builds on work completed in 2012 when mobile network coverage on the Shore Line was activated. The third stage of network expansion will provide network coverage on the Eastern Suburbs line with an anticipated completion date of early 2014.

“Adding network coverage in the City Circle tunnels is part of Telstra’s ongoing commitment and investment to ensure more people get connected and stay connected,” said Mr Goonan.

Telstra is well underway with expanding its metropolitan and regional 4G coverage from 40 per cent of the Australian population to 66 per cent of the population by the end of June 2013.

“Making sure our customers enjoy a great experience on our fastest, most reliable national Next G® network is part of our commitment to providing great service,” said Mr Goonan.

Telstra extends thanks to Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, for her role in facilitating the new coverage.