Following the damage caused by Cyclone Yasi, telco providers have been quick to update their customers on the conditions of their networks and their key priorities in repairing their services.
The power outages across towns will have an affect over the coming days on mobile and broadband services, and due to increased mobile traffic, customers may experience problems making mobile calls and may receive drop outs. Customers are advised to try again after a few minutes.
Telstra – Feb 3
“Telstra’s two key priorities for today are confirming the safety of our team and assessing the initial impact on our network in North Queensland.”
Telstra has stated their 200 technicians will begin to repair Telstra’s services in affected areas. An approximate 15,000 landline services have been reportedly affected, and while 60 phone towers are out of service, mobile coverage has continued to perform due to overlapping coverage from other towers.
Telstra call centres being closed in northern Queensland, therefore customers may experience a delay getting through to call centres.
To report a fault
Please call:
• Residential: 13 22 03
• Telstra Business customers: 13 29 99
• Telstra Enterprise and Government customers: 1800 815 851
Optus – Feb 3
“As of 2pm AEDT today, there has been localised impact to the Optus mobile and fixed network in the cyclone affected areas of Queensland... Optus is working with Emergency Service organisations including The Australian Army and Police who are arranging access to restricted areas, allowing Optus engineers to connect generators and provide continuity of service to mobile infrastructure.”
Optus has reported that their mobile network is active in Cairns, Townsville and other regional areas. Optus has prioritised voice calls and SMS on these networks.
There are 87 Optus base stations affected by Cyclone Yasi.
For Optus Customer Care please contact 133 937
Small Business customers can contact 133 343.
Vodafone – Feb 3
“We have been able to restore services in the central Mackay region and some areas in and around Cairns, but there continues to be service outages from Townsville through to Bowen which are due to power outages and transmission link failures. We are working hard to restore services as quickly as we can.”
Vodafone is still in the process of assessing the damage to their infrastructure. Vodafone’s store in Mackay has reopened while the Cairns and Townsville stores remain closed.
Vodafone has stated that those who have been affected by the cyclone can contact them on 1300 653 676 to discuss financial assistance. Post-paid customers who have damaged handsets or modems from the cyclone may also be eligible to receive a loan device from Vodafone.
Vodafone customer service: 1300 650 410