Optus today announced plans to start a technology trial for wireless broadband in Sydney in February 2005 with trial partner, UTStarcom.
The trial is the next stage in Optus' plans to deliver innovative services, bringing the very best technology to Australian consumers and businesses.
A base station will be deployed in the Sydney suburb of Belmore as part of the trial.
The trial will test the capacity, range and reliability of the service, generating vital operational data to let Optus determine the number of base stations required for a commercial rollout as well as the number of users that each base station is capable of servicing.
Bill Hope, Managing Director Optus Networks, said the field trial was the next logical step for the company.
"Today's announcement demonstrates Optus' ongoing strategy to tap into new and emergent technologies. We have already brought many innovative products to market that build upon our unique infrastructure base including distance learning over satellite, IP data services for business and VoIP for SME's. These products open up new growth opportunities for us," Mr Hope said.
Optus has selected to trial in the first instance a 'standards' compliant technology that can provide mobile high speed wireless data access and leverage Optus' continually expanding mobile 2G and 3G infrastructure rollout.
The service will provide high-throughput wireless broadband connections over extended distances and can be used for a number of applications, including "last mile" broadband connections.
Optus is expected to make a decision on a full commercial rollout next year after concluding a set of field trials.
UTStarcom are developers of wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions.
For more information: Sheila Dhillon Optus Corporate Affairs Tel: (02) 9342 9021
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