Both Optus and Telstra have remained positive about the potential impact of tropical cyclone Yasi, with the two telcos releasing statements saying that their services are currently unaffected by the threat off the coast of Queensland.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Optus today said its network was unaffected.
“As of 9:00am this morning, the Optus open mobile network is unaffected and continues to provide services across Queensland,” the statement read. “The Optus reef network, which provides transmission for voice and data services between Brisbane and Cairns, is also currently unaffected.”
While it remained positive about any potential impact of the cyclone, Optus said network engineers were closely monitoring the situation and a number of resources have been moved toward the predicted areas of impact.
“This includes utilising our satellite infrastructure via a portable satellite base station as well as additional power generators and spare parts that can be used to restore any damaged infrastructure,” the statement read.
Optus will also make its portable internet kiosk and customer service trailer available to those affected by any impact of the cyclone.
“These facilities include satellite phones for free voice calls and laptop computers with free internet access,” the statement read. “There will be mobile phone chargers within the customer service trailer so people can recharge their phone in the event of power outages.
"These facilities will be moved to the most appropriate locations as the situation develops.”
Telstra has [[xref:http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/media-centre/announcements/telstra-prepared-for-cyclone-yasi.xml|also released a statement indicating that the cyclone could have a possible impact on its mobile network.
“We remind customers that during and following significant weather events, the mobile network might experience extremely heavy load due to the high volume of call attempts being made within a concentrated area or damage to network infrastructure,” the statement read.
The telco also said it has closed several call centres located in north Queensland as a staff safety precaution.
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