Katter says CDMA is cutting bush productivity

National Party MP Bob Katter says country Australians are losing valuable productivity because the new CDMA network has left large parts of the bush in a communications blackout.

Mr Katter says he’s no longer able to use his phone for business during the long drive between Townsville and Cairns in his sprawling Queensland electorate.

He says the shutdown of the analogue phone network on New Years day has left him without phone reception for much of the trip.

And he says this will be repeated all over Australia.

Mr Katter says it is absolutely appalling to find out unofficially that in many places they are two years behind schedule in putting CDMA coverage in. 

Mr Katter says he will approach National Party MPs and country Liberals to take their concerns directly to the Communications Minister, Richard Alston.

Telstra last week announced a special transitional package for regional customers to help in the change over period.