Optus vies for improved Springfield Lakes coverage with new 5G facility
A major telecommunications company has proposed a new Springfield Lakes facility to boost 5G connectivity to the rapidly-expanding area and address the current “lacking” coverage. HERE’S WHO WILL BENEFIT
Ipswich
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A major phone company is vying for a new 5G telecommunications facility to meet rising demand in Springfield Lakes.
Optus submitted a development application to the Ipswich City Council last week to install a new mobile phone base station at 18 Springfield Lakes Boulevard.
The planning assessment report, prepared by Senior Town Planner Jessica Bradbury, said the proposal is part of Optus’s national rollout of services to meet growing demand for mobile services.
The report said service demand has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people are working or studying from home.
“The whole profile of daily demand on networks has changed, with much more traffic being carried throughout the daytime hours and in non-CBD areas than previously,” it said.
It further identified that the current mobile coverage at Springfield Lakes is “lacking” and that some areas currently have poor or no coverage – despite it being one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
“What little coverage is being provided by surrounding facilities is not sufficient to service the Springfield Lakes community in this digital age, making this area isolated in terms of connectivity,” the report said.
The proposed facility would consist of a 10m monopole with a 5m turret mount, along with six panel antennas, twelve Remote Radio Units and ancillary equipment.
It would replace an existing light pole adjacent to the carpark at 18 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, and have a “low and compact” design to reduce visual impact.
The report said the location was selected as it had low residential density and easy accessibility, and because the development would have minimal visual impact and the landowner’s support.
The development application includes analysis of the predicted electromagnetic energy (EMU) emissions of the facility, and concludes the maximum EMU levels would be 11.2 per cent of the maximum exposure limit under the Australian safety standard.
The application is currently in the confirmation period, and awaiting council approval.
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