Cel-Fi GO around Australia

THE Malloy family from the Gold Coast have just returned from their 10 month ‘Big Lap’ around Australia, where they (Craig and Kelly) continued to manage their business remotely, with the help of some very competent staff.

Australia may get a big tick for its amazing outback and culture, but it unfortunately has a red cross against it in regards to regional and remote mobile phone coverage. So, how did the Malloy family overcome their communication conundrum?

The Government recently funded almost $600 million in new investments to improve mobile coverage across Australia. The funding covers 499 upgraded or new mobile base stations, more than 68,000km² of new handheld coverage in regional Australia, and more than 150,000km² of new external antenna coverage. While this sounds substantial, it’s really just the start. The rough Australian terrain doesn’t lend itself to an easy solution for traveller communication, so many 4x4 drivers have to resort to alternative means to be able to run their business and keep in touch when on the road.

Craig states that one of the reasons they were able to do their ‘Lap’ was the ability to work and keep the business running while travelling. Installing Cel-Fi GO ensured they had great phone and data for much of their trip via the Telstra 3G and 4G network, and being able to keep in contact with staff and clients was a business lifesaver for them – and it was great for the children when doing their online schooling.

Cel-Fi GO is a mobile phone repeater that can boost a 3G or 4G Telstra signal. It requires an outdoor antenna to pick up the signal and an indoor antenna to provide signal to any Telstra mobile device in range. An inbuilt amplifier will boost a very poor signal and make it usable. The Mobile Cel-Fi GO version is perfect for vehicles and those on the move, and the stationary version is perfect for homes, offices and caravans.

Time and time again, right around the country, when the Malloy family parked at camps, beaches or rainforests, they were able to access mobile coverage. Without utilising a GO, accessing mobile coverage would be a struggle, as many of their fellow travellers could attest to.

Craig remembers one situation very clearly on a beach in Mutee Head, on the way to Cape York. A group of men camping close by were struggling to make a phone call, while Craig was able to run a video conference with a client from his car. The ease of set-up was also a bonus – once set up in an area with a sniff of a signal, you were connected. There was no hassle or dealing with giant aerials and accessories.

“The GO is really quite impressive. Several times we have been the only person in the camping ground or attraction with internet and reception of a level that is very usable for business,” said Craig.

For more information on Cel-Fi GO solutions for your vehicle, contact Powertec Telecommunications for details of the pack appropriate for your travels on (07) 5577 0500, or email sales@powertec.com.au

Website:www.powertec.com.au/mobile-products/repeater-types/vehicle-repeaters

Relive the Malloy family adventure here.

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