LAST-MINUTE installation of a portable satellite has kept hundreds of people in Wedderburn for the historical engine and machinery society’s annual swap met connected to the world.
Society secretary Lois Goddard said she was appalled that Wedderburn had been left without mobile and internet connectivity for more than a week while Telstra upgraded the local tower to 5G.
“The whole town was off so I rang Telstra and all they did was offer $30 off my next bill,” she said.
“So I drove half-way to Charlton to find service connectivity and rang (Mallee MP) Anne Webster’s office.
“They contacted Telstra and by Friday morning the Wi-Fi had been installed.”
Mrs Goddard said it had been disappointing that service shutdown had been tuned off during a major annual event for the town.
““We had people arriving in the days before from across the state and beyond,” she said.
“Their families were understandably worried when unable to make contact. There’s one person here with a special alarm watch to send alerts if she falls ... that wouldn’t work and neither did notifications on the VicEmergency app.”
Mrs Goddard said towns should not be left without connectivity for extended period.
Telstra started work upgrading the Wedderburn tower last Monday.
Businesses made alternative arrangements to keep trading during the week. “More than a week is a long time for no service,” Mrs Goddard said.
Telstra regional general manager for northern and western Victoria Steve Tinker said on Monday: “Upgrade works on Telstra’s Wedderburn mobile base station is on schedule and has now been completed.
“We understand this work is disruptive and there is never a good time to perform this upgrade activity, however the benefits of increased speeds and capacity is very important.
“We do consider local events where possible in the planning of this type of activity. In Wedderburn, we supported the Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society’s swap meet by providing a Wi-Fi system to allow for EFTPOS and other internet-based activities over the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Telstra is this week upgrading its Serpentine tower.