So, what is the best mobile network for remote communications in regional WA if you regularly travel outside large towns?
The thing was, a few years ago, I would have said. Telstra.
Well, today, it is a little more complicated we have more options. These days you would need two networks.
Plus a Satellite phone or more popular a Satellite communicator like ZOLEO
· Telstra
· Optus
On holidays, I first came to the Kimberley area in 2001 and moved to Broome part-time in 2004. In 2008. I was involved in a federal and state-funded program to bring broadband to remote parts of Kimberley.
I first entered the mobile phone industry in 1991 with Vodafone. I live in the most fantastic part of Australia, the Kimberley, which has its mobile coverage challenges. I do specialize in remote voice and data solutions.
Communication has always been an issue in remote Australia especially mobile; until now, Telstra has been the leading player; however, that is changing with Government support through funding programs like the Federal Black Spot Mobile Funding Program and progress in the tech field.
Optus has been rolling out small cells around WA, especially in the Kimberley; arguably, they have better coverage up the Gibb River Road than Telstra.
So, having two sim cards, Telstra and Optus is the way to go if you do a lot of regional travel in Australia.
Mobile vendors like Samsung and Apple have introduced dual sim card and multi eSim phones into the Australian market, so one phone has two or even three networks. These phones are great, and I can recommend them enabling you to carry only one phone.
Many use one sim for business and the other for personal use.
Just to let you know, I have all three networks so I know the picture plus I have other products that will keep you connected.
Satellite phones and portable emergency units can be rented or purchased if you need to be in contact all the time. Check out ZOLEO
ZOLEO Affordable Personal Satellite Communications for Everyone is available now from Endeavour Connect.
This service connects with your phone or tablet to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile coverage — plus added safety features you can count on Australia wide including industry-leading SOS alerting features.
Remote mobile broadband. Starlink has announced a new RV version of their satellite service which currently works 100% of the land mass of Australia. This enables speeds of 100 to 350 Mbps the service can be switched off and reactivated at will. So, if you are a digital nomad, you can now go more remote. Contact Starlink directly.
However if you are a business - Resort - Mining - Cursing - Government - remote support service - Station - Transport.
Future Mobile - Mobile Satellite Services Recently Vodafone announced a partnership with AST SpaceMoble plans to be the first space-based network to connect standard mobile phones at broadband speeds. Devices would switch between space and ground-based networks automatically, effectively eliminating coverage gaps and ensuring customers can stay connected on the move.
Optus has announced a partnership with SpaceX to develop a similar service
Apple already have their own service available for text messaging on their Apple 14 phones
Also, if you have a question, you can email me through markbentham.com also sign up for my email newsletter for regular updates.
More information and coverage updates terrestrial mobile services