Optus the issue; Telstra fine

MOBILE service providers have downplayed problems with phone coverage in the Central Highlands and surrounding regions.

Telstra and Optus 3G customers have been plagued with unreliable mobile phone coverage for at least a week, but only Optus admitted a problem with its product yesterday.

"Due to a transmission failure at one of our mobile base stations in Emerald this morning, Optus mobile customers in the area may experience a higher than usual number of dropped calls," an Optus spokesman said.

"An Optus engineer is currently working on the affected mobile site to ensure services can be restored as quickly as possible."

Optus apologised to its affected customers, while Telstra Country Wide area general manager for Central Queensland Doug McClure said no problems with its coverage had been reported to their customer service centres. "There are no complaints coming through from Emerald at the moment," Mr McClure said. "We'd love to hear from anyone having issues." Phone 125 111 with problems.