Telstra says Nundle’s phone problems are over

For the past 12 months, locals have lost all mobile and landline service during a blackout, leading to safety concerns, particularly in the bush fires season.

A Telstra spokesperson said crews conducted out a “thorough review of the facilities” at Nundle.

“We have now replaced the batteries and we shouldn’t anticipate any unforeseen drop outs,” they said.

Fossickers Tourist Park owner Kim Somerville said she’ll wait and see what happens in the next blackout.

“I certainly won’t be holding my breath,” Ms Somerville said.

Related reading: Telstra promises to send crews to Nundle

Nundle resident Teree Burr, who was so frustrated with the ongoing situation she wrote to New England MP Barnaby Joyce, tentatively welcomed the news, but was disappointed it took Telstra so long to act.

“We shouldn’t have to make this much noise,” Ms Burr said.

“It shouldn’t take a whole community going to their local newspaper to get a reaction.

“At times out here it feels like we’re at the end of the supply chain, and these big telcos look at us, and think ‘minimal numbers, minimal impact, so you’re last on the list’.

“If they’ve changed the battery and fixed the problem, that’s great. The only way to find out is during the blackout, dare I say.”

Last week, Telstra told The Leader the tower’s backup batteries were designed to last four to six hours, depending on the usage, while the recent blackout that hit the town last more than eight hours.