Quick Read
- Telstra mobile services in Torquay, Australia, are experiencing disruptions for up to 16 days.
- The outages began around February 25, 2026, due to roadworks and third-party safety requirements.
- 4G and 5G networks are primarily affected; 3G services were discontinued in Australia in 2024.
- Landline and NBN services remain unaffected; users can switch to Wi-Fi calling.
- Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) will still connect through other mobile networks.
GEELONG (Azat TV) – Telstra mobile services in Torquay, Australia, are currently experiencing significant disruptions, with outages projected to last up to 16 days. The interruptions, which began around February 25, 2026, are primarily caused by roadworks at the intersection of Surf Coast Highway and Bristol Road, necessitating the temporary shutdown of Telstra’s equipment on a shared tower for occupational health and safety (OH&S) reasons.
The current situation has led to confusion among users due to conflicting information from the telecommunications giant. While initial geotargeted text messages warned of reduced services from 7 AM to 5 PM for 16 days starting February 25, later online updates and a Telstra spokesperson clarified that a full site outage was anticipated only until February 27, with intermittent disruptions then continuing from 7 AM to 7 PM until March 13. This lack of consistent messaging has left many residents and businesses uncertain about the exact duration and extent of service availability.
Torquay Mobile Services Face Prolonged Telstra Outage
The core of the disruption stems from a request by a third-party, likely the Department of Transport Victoria, to deactivate parts of Telstra’s mobile base in Torquay North. This is a common safety protocol during significant infrastructure projects, requiring mobile towers to be non-operational during maintenance, especially in daylight hours. The outage primarily affects 4G and 5G networks, as all 3G services in Australia were discontinued in 2024, leaving affected users with no access to mobile data during these periods.
Despite the widespread impact on mobile data and traditional call/text services, Telstra has confirmed that landline and NBN (National Broadband Network) services remain unaffected. Users in the affected zones, which include areas around the intersection of Horseshoe Bend and Blackgate Roads stretching towards Armstrong Creek, are advised to switch to Wi-Fi calling for calls and text messages. Crucially, emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) will still connect automatically to another available mobile network, ensuring vital access to emergency services.
Business Concerns and Advocacy for Network Reliability
The prolonged outage has raised significant concerns within the local business community. A survey conducted by the Geelong Advertiser revealed that out of 15 local businesses contacted, only two were aware of the planned service interruption. This lack of preparedness could lead to operational challenges, particularly for businesses reliant on mobile transactions. Telstra has encouraged business owners to connect their EFTPOS machines to an NBN or Wi-Fi connection to ensure smooth transaction processing.
The Surf Coast Shire, which encompasses Torquay, is actively advocating for improved mobile services to the federal government. Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps has voiced strong concerns, highlighting that current mobile coverage frequently fails during peak visitation times, posing a significant risk, especially in bushfire-prone areas. A motion is slated for presentation at the Australian Local Government Association’s national assembly, urging federal legislation to mandate that mobile and data carriers enhance network coverage to support peak demand and ensure reliability during emergencies, rather than merely meeting minimum standards.
Navigating Service Interruptions
Telstra has acknowledged the inconvenience caused by these planned works and has committed to minimizing the outage duration. While specific details about the third-party request and the exact reasons behind the site shutdown have not been fully disclosed, the company has reiterated its apology to customers for the disruption. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to utilize Wi-Fi calling where available and to monitor Telstra’s outage map for the latest updates on service restoration and affected areas.
The Telstra outages in Torquay underscore the critical balance between essential infrastructure development and maintaining reliable telecommunications, revealing the significant impact on daily life and local economies when communication networks are compromised, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural disasters.