Connectivity issues impacting residents and business

THIS week the Sentinel-Times had several conversations with business owners and residents in Bass Coast, with Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson areas concerned with their internet connection and mobile phone service. 

Wonthaggi resident Coral Donat said her husband was in an accident on their farm and they had no way of contacting emergency services. It was after this incident that Coral became exhausted with the lack of service and said, “they need to be accountable”. 

“The towers in the areas are too small, the service here is appalling, I’m paying for a phone but have no service in my home or on the farm – I find myself having to walk around just to get one bar.” 

In today’s economy, the expense of a landline and internet is unaffordable if the connection isn’t reliable. Coral said she has to visit the library to use the internet and print any documents. 

“I’m worried that the banks will go online but there is not enough infrastructure for locals to access the online services and the providers just aren’t looking after those customers that don’t have service,” said Coral. 

To get the providers to listen to the community, Coral put together a petition that has 260 signatures. The petition reads: This is a petition in support of Telstra installing upgrade to existing towers/plus new tower for outer areas of Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson. 

Coral explained ‘these towers are not adequate for the towns service; we have poor to no cover due to the current towers having congestion. The rollout of Telstra 5G is not yet in place but selling has already started.’

Businesses have confirmed they are overstretched with many having to turn their EFTPOS machines on and off to get signals.

Nate Bowler from Diskount Wonthaggi said, “sometimes we have to go next door to Coastal Home Interiors just to send emails or print paperwork, because they have great service and ours continually drops in and out.”

“Only with complaints will they improve the service to these areas,” said Coral. 

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale met with Coral a few months ago after she visited the office asking Ms Crugnale to sign the petition. 

And while Jordan couldn’t sign, they discussed in depth the connectivity in the area, the coverage, the gaps and what this means for households and businesses. 

“Our Connecting Victoria $550M program came from us advocating to our government to step in and kickstart telcos and federal government into delivering fast track better mobile and broadband connectivity in the area and across the state.” 

“I was able to let Coral know about our Connecting Victoria program and planned works for Wonthaggi. She was happy for me to let Telstra’s General Manager of Eastern Victoria know about the forthcoming petition as well, especially given I was seeking an update of upgrades in the area,” said Jordan. 

To find out more about the Connecting Victoria program visit Find a project | Connecting Victoria | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (djsir.vic.gov.au)