Telstra mobile network upgrades servicing Gembrook, Mount Burnett, and Pakenham Upper are set to begin on Monday 26 October, promising faster downloads, smoother streaming, and reduced network congestion once complete.
The extensive site improvements, scheduled to take six days, will boost both 4G and 5G capacity across the region. However, locals should prepare for temporary service interruptions while technicians carry out the work.
“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country,” a Telstra spokesperson said.
“As data use over our mobile network continues to grow, adding extra 4G/5G capacity to our mobile site in the area will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming, and less congestion for customers.”
To ensure technician safety during construction, the base station will need to be switched off for periods of up to 10 hours at a time.
“While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson added.
Telstra will notify affected mobile customers directly via SMS ahead of the works. The outage will not impact NBN internet, satellite services, standard landlines, or mobile coverage provided by other networks.
Telstra customers can maintain voice and text services during outages by enabling Wi-Fi Calling, a free setting available on most modern smartphones that routes calls over a home or business Wi-Fi connection.
Emergency access will remain available throughout the project. Compatible mobile devices will automatically attempt to connect to Triple Zero (000) via any available rival network using an emergency “camp-on” feature. If a first attempt does not connect within five seconds, residents are advised to hang up and redial immediately, staying on the line for up to 60 seconds on subsequent tries to allow the phone to secure an alternative network.
Local businesses relying on EFTPOS terminals connected to the Telstra mobile network are advised to contact their bank or payment provider to switch terminals over to Wi-Fi or NBN connections to prevent disruption to transaction processing.
Similarly, residents using medical alarms, fall detection systems, or personal health monitors that rely on mobile connectivity should contact their device manufacturer to verify potential impacts and explore alternative connections.
Work schedules remain subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Residents can track real-time outage updates at telstra.com.au/outages or find preparation tips at tel.st/planned-work.
