Wireless company calling for farmers to trial improved phone services

Wagga Wagga-based Zetifi was announced as one of the first three grant recipients under the Commonwealth Government's $2 million Alternative Voice Services Trial Program.

The program aims to find new ways to deliver voice services within NBN Co's fixed wireless and satellite footprints and identify new providers and the potential for alternative technologies to provide better services.

Zetifi founder and chief executive Dan Winson said instead of relying solely on current mobile, satellite or high-capacity radio concentrator coverage to make voice calls, Zetifi would provide a multi-carrier connection.

This would allow triallists to use Wi-Fi calling to make calls, even when the household had poor or no mobile cellular coverage, he said.

Mr Winson said improvements to Zetifi's Wi-Fi meant rural and remote residents were less reliant on their proximity to mobile towers and other network infrastructure.

"We're keen to hear from farmers who are interested in taking part in these trials," he said.

"By providing these farmers with a Zetifi Wi-Fi network, which enable them to make Wi-Fi calls, we're aiming to prove that our technology can not only provide a solution to poor mobile coverage but provide a stable and reliable replacement for the legacy radio and copper network in rural and remote areas."

The program will provide 50 farmers with access to a fully subsidised hardware installation and a 12 month subscription to Zetifi solutions to help them access better connectivity for Wi-Fi calls.

Of these, 40 farmers will receive a ZetiBase, which predominantly provides indoor Wi-Fi for areas where weak mobile signals cannot penetrate the residence.

The remaining 10 trial participants will be provided with a ZetiCell, a longer-range solution for areas with very poor coverage with a 300m radius of outdoor Wi-Fi and the option to extend connectivity to sheds, yards and across the farm.

The company is looking to have all 50 units installed and ready to use by May 31.

To register your interest in receiving a Zetifi solution as part of the AVST Program, email hello@zetifi.com or call 1300 093 711.

For further information about Zetifi solutions visit https://zetifi.com/.