DARWIN AND PALMERSTON ENJOY STRONGER 3G COVERAGE FOLLOWING OPTUS $10 MILLION NETWORK INVESTMENT

• $10m mobile network upgrade sees Optus deliver enhanced 3G coverage in more places
• Faster mobile data and web browsing experience for consumers and businesses
• Optus brings more choice and competition with launch of postpaid mobile broadband plans

Consumers and businesses in greater Darwin and Palmerston can now benefit from enhanced Optus 3G services and stronger mobile coverage following the completion of a two-year $10 million Optus mobile network upgrade.

The network and capacity upgrade also enables Optus to offer postpaid mobile broadband plans locally for the first time, bringing more choice and competition to customers in these areas.

With nearly 20 new mobile sites built across the Top End since 2010, customers can enjoy better Optus mobile coverage in more places, including for the first time in the Darwin River and Wagait Beach areas.

In addition, customers in metropolitan areas will experience better indoor mobile coverage as 3G mobile traffic migrates to the 900 MHz spectrum band at more than 30 mobile sites across the cities of Darwin and Palmerston.

To deliver faster data connectivity, Optus has also upgraded nearly 30 existing mobile sites across the cities of Darwin and Palmerston to the more advanced HSPA+ technology. This enables residents and businesses to experience faster web browsing, email and data downloads than previously available on the 3G network, on a compatible handset and mobile device, whether at home, work or on the move.

Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director, Optus Networks said, “We’re delighted to deliver an enhanced 3G mobile experience for our Top End customers. These initiatives are part of Optus’ continued commitment to enhance and expand mobile coverage in the Northern Territory since first launching mobile coverage in the state in 1994. Today our coverage spans Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Tenant Creek, Katherine, Yulara, Jabiru and Nhulunbuy.

“In the last two years, we’ve increased the number of mobile sites in the greater Darwin area by more than 50 per cent, strengthening coverage in key public places such as Charles Darwin University while bringing Optus coverage to areas such as Wagait Beach for the first time.

“We’re also excited to bring more choice and competition to the local area by offering our full range of 3G mobile broadband plans for the first time. Residents can surf and browse the web on the go and businesses can give their staff the ability to work wirelessly while out of the office, be it on their iPad, Samsung Galaxy tablet or laptop.”

Since 2010, Optus has built new mobile sites in areas including Archer, Coconut Grove, Charles Darwin University, Darwin CBD Central, Darwin River, Humpty Doo South, Humpty Doo East, Howard Springs North, Johnston, Knuckey Lagoon, Lambells Lagoon, Leanyer North, Millner, Moil, Wagait Beach and Winnellie East. Lake Bennett, Bellamack and Darwin City East are also currently in the final stages of construction.

For more information, customers can visit their local Optus ‘yes’ store located in the Darwin Mitchell Centre, Casuarina Shopping Centre or Palmerston Shopping Centre.

Media contact:
Derek Lau
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 0416 272 016
Optus Media Hotline: (02) 8082 7850