With Cyclone Alfred approaching South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, it’s more important than ever to ensure you stay connected with your loved ones and emergency services. We understand how critical communication is during natural disasters, and we’re doing everything we can to keep our network running.
We have a long history of responding to extreme weather events, and our teams are often among the first on the ground—right after emergency services—to assess damage and restore connectivity. Here’s what you can do to stay connected during the cyclone and how we’re working to keep you online.
What You Can Do to Stay Online
1. Backup Your Important Data
Ensuring your important documents, contacts, and photos are backed up can save you time and stress if your phone or device is lost or damaged. Here’s how you can secure your data:
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- Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive to back up photos, videos, and essential documents.
- Most Apple and Android devices have automatic backup features that you can enable in your settings.
- Consider downloading ePrepared, a free self-help tool we’ve launched with Justice Connect, to store digital copies of critical documents like IDs, insurance policies, and emergency contacts.
2. Download Emergency Apps for Real-Time Updates
Being informed is crucial during a natural disaster. Download official emergency apps that provide live updates, safety alerts, and evacuation notices, such as:
- Emergency+ App (Australia’s national emergency service app)
- BOM Weather App (Bureau of Meteorology for weather warnings)
- State Emergency Service (SES) App (for flood and storm warnings)
- ABC Listen App (for emergency broadcasts and news updates)
Having these apps installed ensures that you receive the latest information, even if traditional news channels are unavailable.
3. Charge Your Devices and Portable Chargers
Power outages are common during extreme weather events, so it’s essential to prepare in advance:
- Fully charge your mobile phone, tablet, and laptop before the cyclone arrives.
- Charge power banks or portable battery packs that can keep your phone running if electricity is cut.
- If available, use solar chargers or in-car phone chargers as alternative power sources.
- Reduce battery drain by enabling low-power mode and turning off unnecessary apps.
4. Locate Free Payphones and Wi-Fi Hotspots
If mobile networks go down, free Telstra payphones can be a vital backup option for making calls. Many payphones have also been upgraded with Wi-Fi access, allowing you to stay connected online.
To find your nearest free payphone or Wi-Fi hotspot, visit the Telstra website or use the Telstra 24×7 app.
What We’re Doing to Prepare for Cyclone Alfred
We’ve been actively monitoring Cyclone Alfred and preparing our infrastructure to minimize disruptions. Our teams are working to ensure mobile, internet, and landline services remain as reliable as possible throughout the event.
1. Deploying Backup Power and Equipment
One of the biggest causes of network outages is not direct damage to infrastructure, but extended power failures. To address this, we are:
- Positioning temporary power generators in key locations so they can be deployed quickly if needed.
- Ensuring network sites have backup battery systems to keep services running as long as possible.
- Activating portable cell towers in areas most at risk of disruption.
2. On-Ground Teams Ready to Respond
Once it is safe to do so, our technicians will be deployed across affected regions to:
- Assess damage to mobile towers, internet lines, and landline connections.
- Restore connectivity as quickly as possible, prioritizing emergency services and community hubs.
- Work closely with local emergency services to ensure critical communications remain functional.
3. Telstra Disaster Assistance Package
If Cyclone Alfred causes major disruptions, we will activate the Telstra Disaster Assistance Package for affected customers. This typically includes:
- Free bonus mobile data for Telstra customers in impacted areas.
- Extended bill payment options for those facing financial hardship due to the disaster.
- Priority restoration of services in high-need areas.
If activated, details will be available on our website and through official Telstra channels.
Stay Safe and Stay Connected
We know how challenging these situations can be, and our priority is ensuring that you can stay in touch with family, friends, and emergency services throughout the event.
As Cyclone Alfred moves closer, we encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions, charge their devices, back up important data, and have alternative communication methods ready.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Stay safe, stay connected, and check back here for more information.
