CDMA MUST STAY IF NEXT G NO GOOD

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy must not allow Telstra to switch off the CDMA mobile network later this month, unless rural and regional mobile customers are receiving the same if not better coverage from the new Next G network, Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said. “CDMA works, and works well in rural and regional Australia. CDMA delivers the sort of mobile communications, for business, safety and social connectivity, city people take for granted. I’m not confident I could put my hand on my heart and make the same statement for Next G, as it exists today,” said Senator Nash. “I am still hearing reports from mobile users the Next G network is not up to scratch. I’m concerned many residents in rural and regional communities will be left with little if any mobile coverage if the closure goes ahead on 28 January. “Let’s not forget, Labor has form in switching off mobile communications in the bush without providing a suitable replacement network. “Senator Conroy has less than two weeks to demonstrate whether or not Labor governs for all Australians or just those in the city and for the interests of Telstra. “The Coalition, in government, put a licence condition on Telstra to ensure the CDMA network is not turned off until the Minister is satisfied with the performance of the Next G network and it’s now up to Minister Conroy to continue the work of the Coalition in protecting the interests of the millions of Australians affected by the CDMA closure. “While Telstra has given various assurances that the network is up and running and providing more coverage than the CDMA network, these claims are in contrast to what many people are experiencing out there on the ground. “The need to ensure bush customers have the same level of coverage after the switch over is made all the more critical given rural and regional communities will only have one mobile phone company providing mobile services on the Next G network. “I urge Senator Conroy to listen closely to feedback from rural and regional stakeholders over the coming weeks. While the information provided from the ACMA audit comparing coverage under both networks will be helpful, the Minister must take it upon himself to speak directly to those affected if he’s to make an informed decision. “Adequate mobile phone coverage is vital to rural and regional Australians – from the farmer in the paddock, to the local small business operator to families living miles out of town – and Minister Conroy must ensure that those with CDMA mobile coverage are not left stranded without service after the switch off.” Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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