Fed: Telstra tops in bush: Fischer

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2000
Fed: Telstra tops in bush: Fischer

CANBERRA, April 1 AAP - Telstra had got it right with its CDMA network, which replaced
the old analogue phone network, former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer said today.

The Farrer MP lauded Telstra, saying real progress was being made to serve rural communities.

Mr Fischer tested out the new technology at the opening of the newest CDMA transmitter
in the bush today by phoning his successor, John Anderson, who was attending a school
fete in his Gwydir electorate.

"It was an exciting moment as it was the first of the CDMA transmitters in a green
fields location and will help cover a large section of the Sturt Highway area between
Wagga, Oaklands and Narrandera," Mr Fischer said.

"It's time to cut through the crackle and cackle and salute the real progress that
is being made with more positive outcomes.

"CDMA technology is rapidly showing to be very workable in rural and regional Australia,
especially when operating in digital mode as opposed to old analogue mode.

"I commend Telstra in it's expeditious rollout which, thank God, will see all analogue
areas covered by the end of the year and most of eastern Australia."

He opened the transmitter on the top of Galore Hill in the central riverina district
of New South Wales.

And he said Mr Anderson and Telstra team leader David Higginbotham were delighted with
the take-up rate of CDMA and 100km radius coverage from the side on top of the hill.

"This is one example of when they did everything right and met a long-standing commitment.

"It works and it works well."

AAP lm/bdm 6

KEYWORD: TELSTRA FISCHER

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