MEDIA RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Wednesday, 14th November 2007

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Ingram seeks Telstra guarantee on Next G coverage

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has expressed his concern following the publication of maps (The Weekly Times, November 14) showing Telstra’s Next G coverage not meeting the existing CDMA coverage in Gippsland.

“The CDMA phone network is due to be closed in January and the maps published today show coverage of Next G in Gippsland not equivalent to the popular and functional CDMA network in many areas of Gippsland,” Mr Ingram said today.

“This will increase the uncertainty with those CDMA mobile users who are still required to change to the Next G network.

“Telstra have insisted that Gippsland’s Next G coverage is equivalent to the soon to be disconnected CDMA network, and new areas that have been recently commissioned, like Buchan and Dargo, will provide a better service than the old networks.

“I have received complaints about the coverage of Next G and I want to ensure that the new service in Gippsland is at least as good, if not better, than the CDMA network.

“If any residents have coverage problems with the new network, please contact my office.

“I have discussed the issue today with Telstra and have sought further coverage information for my constituents.

“Community and country people rely heavily on high quality mobile communication and it is essential that the Next G network meets Gippsland’s requirements before the CDMA network is closed,” Mr Ingram concluded.