Telstra outage outrage as Straddie faces 24-hour network failure

A Telstra blackout on North Stradbroke Island has left tourists and businesses stranded, sparking outrage as EFTPOS machines, bookings, and phone networks fail in the last week of holidays.

Some businesses at Point Lookout cannot take payment via EFTPOS and are asking for cash payments only. Picture: Contributed

One of the state’s tourist meccas, North Stradbroke Island, has ground to a halt after all mobile services from Telstra, the island’s main telecommunications provider, were cut on Sunday night.

More than 20 island businesses were disrupted or closed their doors, unable to operate EFTPOS machines or take bookings.

Many residents noticed their services were cut at 6pm on Sunday making it difficult to get television reception.

Telstra said the mobile network outage was due to a power cut at its own island site and its specialist technician was able fix it by Monday afternoon.

Telstra said it took its staff more than 18 hours to fix the outage, which affected mobile and some landline services, as the island was accessible only by boat or barge.

“We have a technician onsite working to get everything back online right now and we thank everyone for their patience.”

Hundreds of tourists to Straddie are unable to use mobile or wi-fi services after the Telstra network failed on Sunday night. Picture: Contributed

Energex said it had no power outages reported on the island on Monday morning.

Angry businesses took to Facebook to alert customers of closures and disruptions and the lack of mobile services on the island.

Allure Resort at Point Lookout posted that the Telstra outage was island-wide and there were no Telstra mobile services, Wi-Fi or landlines operating in the area.

Allure Resort has posted this on Facebook to alert customers. Picture: Facebook

Island Chamber of Commerce president Colin Battersby said the outage was devastating for small businesses hoping to capitalise on the last week of the holiday season.

“It is ridiculous that the island is not being prioritised — this happened last night and it is still not fixed,” Mr Battersby said.

“There were more than 300 visitors on the Straddie Flyer this morning who will soon find out that the Telstra network is not working anywhere on the island.

“This will affect their ability to use their credits card to pay for lunch or buy items via that network which is also infuriating for local businesses as it is the last week of holidays.

“If Telstra is not willing to look after the island network and businesses, there are plenty of new satellite services which residents and businesses will be more than happy to subscribe to.”

Originally published as Telstra outage outrage as Straddie faces 24-hour network failure