A statement from the telco said the tower, co-located on an NBN Co tower on Thomson Drive, would help the locals have a competitive telecommunications alternative.

“It’s important Optus customers in regional and rural Australia have access to reliable mobile reception," Karin Wilcox, Optus’ Regional Manager for the Riverina, said.

"The devastating bushfires earlier this year have highlighted the importance of mobile coverage in regional Australia and we are confident that this new Optus site will play a key role in further supporting services in the area."

Optus said it had recently switched on two additional sites in Central Tilba and Broulee. Another two sites, in Candelo Town and Moruya Central, are due to be switched on later this year.

“This new tower in Tathra, combined with our continued investment across the Sapphire Coast plays a key role in improving network coverage and customer experience for residents, small businesses and the thousands of holidaymakers who visit the region each year,” said Wilcox.