OPTUS TO TRIAL HOME WIRELESS BROADBAND IN SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE AND BRISBANE

Optus today announced that it will begin a trial of a premium home wireless broadband product in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane that will offer comparable ADSL2+ speed and experience to Australian homes and small businesses.

The Optus Home Wireless Broadband product is designed to provide an easy, hassle free and flexible option for customers who may not want, or who are unable to receive, a fixed broadband service. There is no need for an existing phone line, installation technician or complicated set-up procedure – customers will simply need an Optus Home Wireless Broadband device to start receiving quality broadband.

The trial, involving approximately 200 Optus staff, will be used to test and learn how the advanced wireless broadband technology can deliver a more consistent day-to-day experience and expand the home broadband options available to its customers.

Martin Mercer, Managing Director, Fixed for Optus said, “This Optus Home Wireless Broadband trial is about putting our powerful 4G Plus network through its paces to understand the full potential of what we can delivery for our customers – not just in mobile, but also home broadband.

“This is not just in terms of speed and experience, but also how we manage our 4G Plus network to actively prevent a customer’s connection changing, wavering or dropping off during busy times.

“If the trial is successful, Optus will be able to offer home broadband services across ADSL2+, Cable, NBN and Wireless – providing real choice for whatever circumstances suit our customers’ needs.”

How will the trial work?
Optus staff in Home Wireless Broadband trial areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane can register to participate in the trial from today. The trial will run for three months.

Staff will be provided with a simple plug-and-play modem device for the trial period to test network compatibility, user-friendliness and performance.

The trial will also be used to ascertain:

• How people will use this type of broadband at home – when, where and for what.
• Exploring the differences between the use of fixed internet services and this new, advanced wireless broadband product; and
• How customers will want to buy it – potential data inclusions and features to suit their needs and keep things simple.

Media Contact:
Kate Hines, Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 5382