Optus has announced they will be offering services via their new 4G network from April next year.
The next generation mobile technology will first be delivered to Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas. The service will then be available in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne from mid 2012.
Optus is the first provider to carry a license to trial their Open Network services on the 700 MHz spectrum band. This band is supposed to offer “greater reach and enhanced in-building coverage.” Bendigo will be the first place to trial the new service.
Optus Chief Executive, Mr Paul O’Sullivan said, “Our customers demand - and deserve - an excellent network experience to support their digital lives. This rollout ensures we remain ahead of the rising demand for mobile data. Today, Optus is committing to a new era of mobile competition, creating the infrastructure to deliver an even better performance for our customers.
“Phase One of Optus’ rollout will provide extensive 4G coverage and is timed to coincide with a significantly expanded 4G device range, to deliver the best value and choice for customers.
Mr O’Sullivan continued, “Optus has invested nearly $2 billion in the past four years and we will spend over $500 million in this financial year alone on our mobile network. This investment will ensure our mobile sites and fibre transmission network can deliver a real choice in 4G services for Australian consumers and businesses.
“As customers rely more on their mobile to access high speed data, Optus is committed to ensuring that our network supports the phone’s move from the ear to the eye.”
While Optus rollout their new 4G network, they will also be upgrading their existing 3G network to improve coverage, speed and capacity. The telco will be introducing 500 additional mobile sites and upgrade their infrastructure at more than 2500 mobile sites. Over half of the Optus 2G network sites will be upgraded to the 3G network.
“Customers demand the best experience from their mobile network. For Optus, it means investing in our network for today and tomorrow, making the best use of spectrum, rolling out advances in mobile technology and bringing our customers greater value and choice in mobile devices,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
To find out what mobile plans Optus offer via their 3G and 4G networks, contact them on 1300 768 194.