Telstra to upgrade phone systems

Under the agreement Telstra will be installing technologies such as CDMA Wireless Local Loop and Subscriber Wireless Integrated Network Gateways, according to a statement issued by Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts, Richard Alston.

This will replace existing Analogue Radio Concentrator Systems (ARCS) and Digital Radio Concentrator Systems (DRCS).

“The upgrade is expected to help address the key services quality concerns with these systems identified by the RTI [Regional Telecommunications (Estens) Inquiry] including low data speeds, lack of enhanced calling features, potential congestion and poor reliability,” it stated.

According to the statement, Telstra was already in the process of upgrading systems in the most remote parts of Australia. Under the undertaking, radio concentrator systems in other areas are scheduled to be upgraded within six months of the remote area upgrades being completed.