Telstra has confirmed this week's upgrade work, that has caused connectivity issues across the city, is expected to be completed on Saturday and the network not just completely restored, but actually improved.
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Upgrades are being done to two of Telstra's eight base stations in Orange with the 4G network being improved and 5G being added, with work being conducted on one site in the centre of the city and one in Clifton Grove.
Telstra received word a number of local businesses were unhappy with the issues the upgrades have caused so far this week, and Regional General Manager Mike Marom was sympathetic, admitting 'there's never a good time to undertake this sort of work'.
Work began on these sites earlier in the week and requires Telstra to shut off the tower for extended periods over several days.
- Telstra Regional General Manager Mike Marom
"But once it is completed it will mean better mobile services for Orange residents (and) Telstra apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of this network upgrade," he said.
"Work began on these sites earlier in the week and requires Telstra to shut off the tower for extended periods over several days. While our crews need to work during daylight for safety, we'll only be switching off the sites when we need to.
"We'll have it back on as quickly as possible (and) mobile coverage from the other six sites will not be impacted, nor will landlines or NBN services."
Mr Marom went on to provide some tips for people experiencing connectivity issues, particularly those local businesses which have been affected.
"We understand that some businesses may be experiencing issues with their EFTPOS machines at this time," he said.
"Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network, it is operated by financial institutions. While some EFTPOS terminals use Telstra 3G and 4G connectivity, many can also be connected using fixed line or wi-fi or NBN connections.
"Retailers should contact their bank for more information and details on how to switch between these methods.
"For people with a Samsung or Apple mobile device purchased in recent years, we also encourage people to activate wi-fi calling on their phone.
"This is a free setting and enables you to make and receive mobile calls when logged into a wi-fi network. To find out more google Telstra wi-fi calling."
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Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
