Optus will invest $8.2 million of its own funds and $1.8 million from the federal government to set up 22 new mobile sites in Western Queensland.
Eighteen of these sites will be covered by the company's funds and four will be funded through the government's Mobile Black Spot Programme.
A statement from Optus said these new sites would extend its mobile coverage by more than 600km across the Cunningham, Warrego, Carnarvon and Castlereagh Highways.
Fourteen of these sites have already been completed.
{loadposition sam08}Optus Mobile Access Planning manager Vin Mullins said: “We are proud to connect these iconic stretches of highway in Western Queensland.
"We're continually working to connect regional Australia and these 22 new sites will result in significant network coverage expansion and improvement to our customers’ experience.
“We're also looking forward to working with governments on the continued rollout of the Mobile Black Spot Programme and thank all governments for investing in such a crucial programme.”
The Optus standalone investment sites which were completed recently are Augethella, Barcoola Homestead, Mitchell Escarpment, Lurnea, Morven, Crotchdantigh, Mia Bend, Teddington, Dirranbandi, St George North, Mt Walpanara, Mungallala.
North Charleville, Charleville Central, Mangalore, Wyandra, Lonsome and Bymount South are yet to be completed.
Brucedale, Blue Lagoon (completed) and Mirrabooka and Nardoo (to be completed) will be upgraded with funds from the Mobile Black Spot Programme.
Regional Communications Minister, Senator Fiona Nash, welcomed the telco's investment.
“In total, Rounds 1 and 2 of the Coalition’s (Mobile Black Spot) Programme will deliver new coverage to 32,000 homes and businesses across 86,000 square kilometres including 7600 of major transport routes via 765 new mobile phone towers,”she said.
“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and better mobile phone coverage is a big part of that.”
Queensland Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the announcement was good news for many Queenslanders living with poor mobile reception.
“Mobile coverage is critical for people dealing with natural disasters but it is also essential for everyday life, business, tourism, education and social connection,” she said.
“Providing mobile coverage at key points along remote roads is important for locals and tourists alike.”