Next time you are in the middle of a dinosaur stampede and need to tell some one, you'll be able to.
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That's because now, locals and holidaymakers can use their mobile phone to make calls, send a text or upload a photo when visiting the world's only known record of a dinosaur stampede, Lark Quarry.
In a joint initiative between Telstra and the Winton Shire Council, a Mobile Satellite Small Cell was installed at Lark Quarry, 110km south of Winton and switched on earlier this month, providing mobile coverage for the thousands of visitors who visit the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument each year.
A Telstra Satellite Small Cell is a smaller, lower cost version of a standard mobile base station and gives customers located within proximity of the cell, mobile coverage via the satellite network.
Telstra Regional General Manager Rachel Cliffe said Telstra was thrilled to partner with the local council to deliver much needed mobile coverage to the area.
"Rolling out 4G voice services on small cells is part of Telstra's commitment to expanding its 4G coverage in regional Australia and highlights the ongoing investments we are making in our mobile network for our rural customers," Ms Cliffe said.
"These small cells use satellite technology to cost effectively deliver mobile coverage to areas where existing coverage is minimal or not available."
Winton Shire Council Mayor Gavin Baskett said the small cell will give people the security of knowing they have coverage while visiting the area and the opportunity to share photos on social media almost immediately.
"It's great that we could partner with Telstra to place the Small Cell Tower," Cr Baskett said.
"This is our second Small Cell Tower in the Winton Shire, two more planned for Middleton and Opalton.
"When these projects are completed, we'll have a lot more phone coverage throughout the shire which will help with the safety and liveability of our region."
Trish Sloan from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History said phone and internet services had always been an issue at the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument, but with the new small cell installed, it has already improved the running of the business and guests are amazed that they get mobile reception in such a remote location.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
