ⓘ 19 December 2025

We have identified that a number of devices will not be able to make calls or send texts in some very remote outback areas where Optus operates Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites. This may impact your ability to make calls to Emergency Services (i.e. ‘000’ & ‘112’) in these areas.

To keep customers safe, we advise that you check if you’re planning on travelling in or near these areas, and if you have one of the devices listed below. Call us on 1300 808 300 so we can help with your options.

If you are not planning to travel to any of the listed sites, then no action is required, and your device will continue to work as normal.

Impacted Devices and Sites

Impacted devices

The following devices will not be able to connect to the Satellite Small Cell (SSC) listed below. To check the model of your phone, go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘About phone’.

ZTE Corporation Models:

Model Number	Device Name
ZTE P602	Optus X-Plus
ZTE P505	Optus X-Start 5
ZTE P280	Optus X-Flip

Nubia Technology Co Ltd Models:

Model Number	Device Name
ZTE Nubia P7 Pro 5G	Optus X-Value 5G
ZTE Nubia P9 Pro 5G	Optus X-Pro 2 5G
ZTE Nubia Focus 2 5G	Nubia Focus 2 5G
ZTE Nubia Neo 3 GT 5G	Nubia Neo 3 GT 5G

Impacted sites

The below is a full list of small cell satellite sites and their locations. This page will continue to be updated as we progressively update these sites. Once a site has been upgraded, it will no longer be impacted and will be removed from the list.

*Note: Affected sites may be in our remaining areas of small cell coverage. While this doesn’t show on our coverage maps, it is an area of our network.

Site Name	Suburb	State	Radius (Km)*
COWARD SPRING	Stuarts Creek	SA	2.98
PARACHILNA PUB	Parachilna	SA	1.93
INNAMINCKA	Innamincka	SA	1.67
BELTANA STATION ROADHOUSE	Beltana	SA	2.98
MARLA	Marla	SA	1.98
MARALINGA	SA Remainder	SA	2.40
MUNGERANNIE PUB	Muloorina	SA	2.99
OAK VALLEY	Oak Valley	SA	2.87
BOODJAMULLA NATIONAL PARK	Lawn Hill	Qld	2.52
CARNARVON VISITOR CENTRE	Carnarvon Park	Qld	1.94
CAMOOWEAL	Camooweal	Qld	2.86
KULGERA	Ghan	NT	2.02
ROSS RIVER HOMESTEAD	Hale	NT	2.51
AILERON ROADHOUSE	Anmatjere	NT	2.29
BARK HUT INN	Point Stuart	NT	1.52
MARY RIVER ROADHOUSE	Burrundie	NT	2.92
CAPE CRAWFORD	McArthur	NT	1.64
GEM TREE	Anmatjere	NT	2.64
STUARTS WELL ROADHOUSE	Hugh	NT	1.63
VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE	Gregory	NT	1.60
WAUCHOPE HOTEL	Davenport	NT	0.57
MATARANKA	Mataranka	NT	2.53
DALY WATERS	Birdum	NT	2.81
ELLIIOT	Elliott	NT	2.74
BARROW CREEK	Davenport	NT	1.66
BARKLY HOMESTEAD	Tablelands	NT	2.70
TOP SPRING HOTEL	Top Springs	NT	2.88
STRATHGORDON	Strathgordon	Tas	2.36
WOORAMEL ROADHOUSE	Wooramel	WA	0.66
MINILIYA	Minilya	WA	0.60
FORTESCUE RIVER ROADHOUSE	Mardie	WA	2.91
SANDFIRE ROADHOUSE	Eighty Mile Beach	WA	0.66

* Radius refers to approximate coverage area for this site

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Why is this happening?

We have identified that a number of devices are not configured in a way that enables them to connect to Optus Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites located in some very remote outback areas across Australia. This means these devices are unable to connect to the Optus network to make or receive calls and texts in these areas.

To keep customers safe, we are required by law to let customers know of any circumstance in which their device may not be able to contact Emergency Services.

What is a Satellite Small Cell (SSC) site?

Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites are sites that are located in remote outback areas where cellular towers are not available. These small cells are usually attached to other existing structures and connected via Optus satellite to Optus core network in the exchanges, these cells provide coverage to remote towns and communities in outback Australia where standard cellular towers are unavailable.

What options do I have if I’m travelling in or near these areas?

We’re here to help and have options available to you. Call us on 1300 808 300

NEED MORE HELP?

All you have to do is contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 808 300 if you're still unsure and need more help with ensuring you stay connected.