By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong Bellarine and Surf Coast populations will increase more than four-fold this summer, with mobile phone and data use growing accordingly, figures from Telstra show.
Using data from mobile base stations up and down the coast, Telstra is able to map when holiday makers and tourists arrive based on data consumption and calls.
Telstra Geelong and Surf Coast Area General Manager Duane Dalton said with families now owning and travelling with multiple devices, including phones, tablets and laptops, the network slows as holiday makers share their fun online.
“However Telstra is now more prepared than ever before to cater for the growth in data consumption,” he said.
“In August 4GX upgrades were completed to mobile base stations covering Torquay and Anglesea. “Previous upgrades have been completed at Apollo Bay, Lorne, Airleys Inlet, Jan Juc, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.
“The upgrades will now mean a more reliable network for business and pleasure this summer.
“We know how important it is for people to remain connected whether via social media, streaming video or even work.
“We know how frustrating it can be when services decline due to increased demand on the network. “The work we have done throughout the year will help deal with this and increase the reliability of services in the area over summer.”
Mr Dalton said Telstra customers could also access free Wi-Fi on Telstra Air hotspots at thousands of selected pink payphone sites and retail stores, as well as hotspots created by Telstra Air members, known as ‘homespots’.
Mr Dalton said there were several hotspots located across the Geelong central business district and across the Surf Coast.
“We’re tipping customers will use the data-equivalent of sending more than 50 million high-quality photos to post, browse, share and stream on our Wi-Fi network over summer,” he said.
