Optus today unveiled its 3G network at an official ceremony in Canberra. Optus is the first carrier to provide 3G (W-CDMA) services in the Nation’s Capital. The initial roll out will enable Canberra-based businesses and government agencies to access and download data via the Optus3G mobile network.
“Today we are entering into a new era of mobility. We are now one step closer to a world of anywhere, anytime access,” Allen Lew, Managing Director, Optus Mobile said.
“3G gives customers a faster, richer and more personalised service on their mobile. Moving from 2G to 3G will revolutionise the way people work – the changes in speed are as significant as moving from dial up to broadband internet.
“We have identified the business applications of 3G as critical factors in the take up of the newservice. This product is so valuable to corporates and businesses that we are offering it to them first,” Mr Lew said.
“Accessing and downloading files and applications more quickly while on the move provides veryreal, immediate benefits to business users. Data applications are more engaging and easier to use.
“3G for corporates and businesses creates a substantial market opportunity for Optus. 3G will playan integral role in building our corporate business market share. Exciting and compelling products for consumers will follow,” Mr Lew said.
A 3G-enabled data access card or 3G handset revolutionises the concept of mobility for business users to remotely connect to the internet or their corporate network, wherever they have Optus 3Gcoverage.
Optus is developing the ‘Always Best Connected’ approach to remote access that automatically selects the best access technology, including GPRS, WiFi and 3G, for the user’s location. This new approach to remote access meets the business market’s demand for reliable and optimal connection.
For example, insurance investigators at a claims site could use the high speed data capabilities of the 3G network to send video footage back to the office or access a client’s history from the corporate database.
Of course users can also make voice calls just like today using 3G services, and these will operate seamlessly on the entire Optus GSM and 3G networks.
“Optus chose Canberra to launch the network because it contains a good spread of government,business and consumer customers in one area. It also enables our Canberra corporate and government clients to be the first to benefit from Optus’ high speed mobile data services,” Mr Lewsaid.
Representing the Minister for Communications, The Hon Peter McGauran, Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs officiated today’s launch and congratulated Optus onreaching such an important milestone.
“The launch of the first phase of Optus’ 3G network will provide Canberra-based businesses and government agencies with access to leading edge high-speed mobile data services.
“As Optus rolls out further phases of its 3G network, Australian businesses and consumers can look forward to a new generation of competitive mobile services,” Mr McGauran said.
Optus will work with a number of ACT-based businesses and government agencies using the service as pre-commercial launch customers. The first of these customers, including Comcare - the Australian Government workers’ compensation authority, the ACT Government through its insourced provider of computing and telecommunications services – InTACT, and an insurance agency, will be able to use the service from today.
“We will work closely with our trial customers to refine and add functionality to the first business product prior to its full commercial launch later this year,” Mr Lew said.
Note to the Editor:
On 19 November 2004, Optus and Vodafone were the first mobile operators in Australia to finalisean agreement to build and operate a joint national 3G radio network.
The shared network features world first technology developed by Nokia Networks that allows Optus and Vodafone to gain the benefits of using the same infrastructure while delivering an independent set of services to their customers.
Optus plans to continue the 3G network roll out in Sydney, Melbourne and major airports by late 2005. The initial build-out of more than 2,000 base stations covering the six major capital cities is scheduled to be completed by March 2007. Specific launch dates for Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth will be announced later this year.
IDC predicts Australia’s 3G market will double in revenue every year between 2004 and 2008,when one in four Australian mobile phone users will be on a 3G network by that time.¹
Media contact:
Claire Hosegood
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: +61 2 9342 5042
1IDC: And Then There are Two: 3G Developments and Updates in Australia 2004.