ZTE Users: Important Notice About Optus Satellite Small Cell (SSC) Coverage
By: Riza
Posted: 19 Jan 2026•3 min read
Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026
Optus has identified that certain devices may be unable to make calls or send texts in some very remote outback locations where Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites operate. This could affect your ability to contact Emergency Services (i.e. ‘000’ and ‘112’) in these areas.
To help you stay safe, we advise checking if your travel plans will take you to or near any of these areas, and if you own one of the devices listed below. For assistance and available options, please contact us on 1300 966 656.
If you do not plan to travel to these locations, no action is needed, and your device will continue to work as normal.
Impacted Devices
The following devices may not connect to the Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites listed below. To check your phone model, go to Settings → About phone.
Model Number | Device |
|---|---|
ZTE P602 | Optus X-Plus |
ZTE P505 | Optus X-Start 5 |
ZTE P280 | Optus X-Flip |
Model Number | Device |
|---|---|
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 table below lists small cell satellite sites and their locations. This list is regularly updated as sites are upgraded. Once a site is upgraded, it will be removed from the list.
Note: Some affected sites are in areas with limited small cell coverage and may not appear on standard coverage maps.
Site Name | Suburb | State(per 30 days) | Radius (km)*(6 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
COWARD SPRING PARACHILNA PUB INNAMINCKA BELTANA STATION ROADHOUSE MARLA MARALINGA MUNGERANNIE PUB OAK VALLEY BOODJAMULLA NATIONAL PARK CARNARVON VISITOR CENTRE CAMOOWEAL KULGERA ROSS RIVER HOMESTEAD AILERON ROADHOUSE BARK HUT INN MARY RIVER ROADHOUSE CAPE CRAWFORD GEM TREE STUARTS WELL ROADHOUSE VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE WAUCHOPE HOTEL MATARANKA DALY WATERS ELLIOT BARROW CREEK BARKLY HOMESTEAD TOP SPRING HOTEL STRATHGORDON WOORAMEL ROADHOUSE MINILIYA FORTESCUE RIVER ROADHOUSE SANDFIRE ROADHOUSE | Stuarts Creek Parachilna Innamincka Beltana Marla SA Remainder Muloorina Oak Valley Lawn Hill Carnarvon Park Camooweal Ghan Hale Anmatjere Point Stuart Burrundie McArthur Anmatjere Hugh Gregory Davenport Mataranka Birdum Elliott Davenport Tablelands Top Springs Strathgordon Wooramel Minilya Mardie Eighty Mile Beach | SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA QLD QLD QLD NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT TAS WA WA WA WA | 2.98 1.93 1.67 2.98 1.98 2.40 2.99 2.87 2.52 1.94 2.86 2.02 2.51 2.29 1.52 2.92 1.64 2.64 1.63 1.60 0.57 2.53 2.81 2.74 1.66 2.70 2.88 2.36 0.66 0.60 2.91 0.66 |
*Radius indicates the approximate coverage area for each site.
What You Need to Know
Why is this happening?
Certain devices are not configured to connect to Optus Satellite Small Cell (SSC) sites in remote outback areas, meaning they cannot access the network to make or receive calls or texts.
We are legally required to inform customers of any situation where a device may not be able to contact Emergency Services.
What is a Satellite Small Cell (SSC) site?
SSC sites are small cellular sites in remote locations where traditional towers are unavailable. They are usually attached to existing structures and connect via satellite to the Optus network, providing coverage to towns and communities in the outback.
What are my options if I’m travelling in or near these areas?
Yomojo and Optus are here to assist. If you plan to travel to these locations, call 1300 966 656 for guidance and options to ensure you remain connected.