Interesting note: Optus is extending mobile coverage to Daydream Island. I've been to this island last year, for a friend's wedding. It's located in the Australian Great Barrier Reef.

It's brilliant, with outdoor cinema at night, three restaurants, bakery, lots of pools, day trips to the reefs.

When I was there I managed to get a very weak Vodafone Australia signal, enough to connect to the GPRS network and check my e-mails using my Pocket PC (I know, would be much easier to use the computers in the lounge).

Residents and visitors to Daydream Island will enjoy mobile coverage as a result of the expansion of Optus’ mobile network.
Local Optus World Mackay store manager Karen Thomsen, said Optus is ‘raising the bar’ and is working towards improving mobile coverage to regional Queensland.

"The new base station is dedicated to providing coverage to the resort – making it easier for residents and holiday makers to stay in touch with the mainland," she said.

Hamilton Island (30 minutes by boat from Daydream Island) enjoys a dedicated base station that provides mobile coverage to the island resort. In addition, Optus is working towards increasing mobile coverage to Great Kepple Island.

"The mobile sites on Daydream Island and Hamilton Island have been designed to minimise the visual impact to the landscape. The sites are located on existing communication towers on the islands and are painted to blend in with the natural surroundings," Mrs Thomsen said.