Optus managing director, networks, Vic McClelland.
Optus is set to roll out 4G to around 200 regional location across Australia over the next six months.
The new locations will significantly expand the reach of Optus’ existing 4G network, with plans to cover 90 per cent of the Australian population by April 2015.
4G services will be turned on using the new 2600MHz and 700MHz spectrum, which become available from October 2014 (except Western Australia, which is available from February 2016) and January 2015 respectively.
Choice for regional Aussies
Optus managing director of networks, Vic McClelland, said Optus was bringing more choice and competition in 4G services to Australians.
“4G delivers faster mobile internet speeds for customers with compatible mobile phones and tablets, which means customers can download, upload and stream at superfast speeds," he said.
"Plus, the roll-out of Optus 4G will mean a better 3G experience by improving network capacity as customers transition to the new 4G data network.”
Optus has already turned on its first commercial 4G sites using the new 2600MHz spectrum in parts of Ballarat, Cairns, Port Macquarie and Port Augusta, with a further 30 locations getting their first taste of 4G from next week.
Once available, Optus will also use 700MHz spectrum to deliver 4G services nationally, including capital cities and regional areas.
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Customers with compatible 4G devices in metropolitan areas can also look forward to a better mobile internet experience indoors, as Optus improves its existing 4G network using the new 700MHz spectrum.
McClelland said the extra spectrum meant our data-hungry customers would be able to get more out of their mobiles in the lead up to the holiday season and throughout the summer.
“We have invested significant resources into upgrading existing mobile towers to meet the increasing data demands of our customers, improve their network experience and provide superfast speeds,” he said.
A large number of mobile phones already support 2600 MHz spectrum, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, Samsung Galaxy SIII 4G, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z2.
The latest 700MHz compatible devices include the Samsung Galaxy S5, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, LG G3 and HTC One (M8).
