Tamworth residents and businesses could face disruptions to phone calls, mobile internet and electronic payments next week as Telstra carries out essential maintenance in the city’s CBD.
The works are scheduled to begin on Monday, 26 October, and continue for two days, with Telstra warning mobile coverage will be temporarily reduced while its equipment is switched off.
The disruptions could affect residents trying to make calls or access mobile data, businesses relying on mobile EFTPOS terminals and people using medical or personal safety devices connected to Telstra’s network.
Telstra says the mobile site servicing the CBD will need to be switched off for short periods to allow maintenance crews to work safely.
Customers will receive an SMS advising them of the planned disruptions, although the timing and extent of the outages may change.
Local businesses using Telstra-connected EFTPOS terminals are encouraged to contact their bank or payment provider to check whether payments can be processed through NBN or Wi-Fi during the works.
Residents who rely on medical alert pendants, fall detection systems or other health monitoring devices should also check with their service provider or manufacturer to ensure they have alternative connectivity options.
Telstra customers with access to Wi-Fi can enable Wi-Fi Calling to continue making and receiving calls and sending text messages while mobile coverage is disrupted.
Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) may still connect through another available mobile network using compatible phones. If a call fails to connect within about five seconds, callers should hang up and try again immediately, remaining on the line for up to 60 seconds on subsequent attempts.
The maintenance will not affect NBN services, satellite internet, traditional landlines or mobile coverage from other providers.
Residents and businesses can monitor updates and prepare for potential disruptions by visiting telstra.com.au/outages or tel.st/planned-work.
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