TELSTRA will  upgrade its mobile base station in Mount  Moliagul from next week.
The area has been labelled a notorious Loddon telecommunications blackspot with residents saying they have been unable to receive emergency warning alerts.
Telstra’s upgrade will add additional infrastructure that it says will “bring better 4G services and new 5G coverage to the community”.
But the works over a fortnight will see a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage. 
Regional general manager northern and Western Victoria, Steve Tinker, said: “On Monday there will be no Telstra mobile coverage from this site during daylight hours as we prepare for the installation of the new equipment.”
From next Tuesday to August 31  there will be no mobile coverage from the site.
Mr Tinkler said work would continue the following week.
“The mobile network will be restored at the end of each day, as we complete the call testing and integration of the mobile network. 
“Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work,” he said.
Telstra earlier announced plans  to bring 5G services to Mount Moliagul site that would “deliver improved mobile coverage and capacity for our customers in the area”. 
“We expect 5G services to be up and running before the end of 2024,” Telstra said.
Major telcos Telstra and Optus had planned to switch off the 3G network this month.
However, they last week announced the end of 3G had been pushed back to October 28.
Telstra early last month said all Loddon 3G-only sites had been upgraded to 4G.
Mallee MP Anne Webster said: “I welcome the plans which Telstra and Optus have announced, including a public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network.” 
“For four months I have publicly called for Telstra and Optus to delay the 3G shutdown because many residents across Mallee are stressed about not being able use health alert devices or farm technology that remains 3G-dependent,” Dr Webster said.