Harder prediction of weather events has led to Telstra spending months inspecting thousands of sites around the country to ensure its network is ship shape in case of incidents that could affect customers heading into 2025.

So far 21 payphones have been upgraded in the central, Orana and western NSW area and recovery equipment is on standby along with extra mobile data for customers, in preparation for what is considered peak disaster season.

“We know how critical it is, for Australians to remain connected during a natural disaster and while we can’t predict what mother nature will throw at us, we’re as ready as can be,” according to Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern NSW Michael Marom.

Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern NSW Michael Marom - image courtesy Telstra

“We have a long history of responding to extreme weather events and the Telstra Response Team are often first on the ground after emergency services to assess and help restore our network.”

“While our network and other infrastructure like electricity can be affected during a natural disaster, we continually work to find better, faster ways to reconnect affected communities.”

Payphones in the region are being upgraded with free Telstra Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and back-up power to keep communities connected during a natural disaster.

“If your mobile isn’t charged, or you’ve had to evacuate, a payphone might be the only way to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok,” Mr Marom said.

Telstra has deployed 110 trailer-mounted, high powered generators across Australia. The generators are part of a co-investment under the Federal Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.

“Extended power outages are often a major cause of network disruption, however the quicker our network sites are powered up, the quicker we can reconnect a community,” said Mr. Marom.

Nyngan SES workers - Image courtesy Nyngan SES Facebook

“Every plan or piece of infrastructure that is put in place, is invaluable,” said a western area SES worker.

“To be able to communicate with all types of services before, during and after an incident is of the highest importance, and it is good to see that Telstra has made it a priority.”

“Sometimes it can be a matter of life and death, so if rescue workers know these systems are in place, it can save a lot of time,” he said.