OPTUS COMPLETES MAJOR NETWORK UPGRADE IN THE ACT

The Optus network has just received a big boost in Canberra with major 3G upgrades completed this month in the nation’s capital. Optus has upgraded 70 mobile sites across the ACT: from Gungahlin in the north to Tuggeranong in the south, the CBD, and across the border to Queanbeyan* in the east. These upgrades mark the completion of a nation-wide 3G network upgrade programme. This programme has seen more than 4,400 mobile sites improved across the country to deliver stronger indoor coverage, and a better overall experience for customers with the addition of 3G over the 900MHz spectrum. “Optus network and customer experience teams have analysed network performance data from 5,600 ACT customers, which showed that they are now spending much more time staying connected to 3G than before. On average, there has been a 25 per cent improvement in 3G indoor coverage since the upgrade,” said Vic McClelland, Managing Director of Optus Networks. The lower frequency of 3G over 900MHz is ideal for delivering a stronger signal inside buildings and undercover, such as in car parks and shopping centres.  Complemented by the existing 3G network which operates on the 2100MHz band, Optus 3G customers should experience a stronger signal and a more consistent 3G experience in the ACT. “A reliable mobile connection is really important for our customers. They want to be able to use their phones and tablets and not worry about whether they’d get coverage, or whether their call will drop out. This is why ongoing improvements to our 3G network are just as high priority as our 4G Plus network rollout.” “Canberra customers can now enjoy superfast 4G speeds in areas where 4G Plus* is live, and they’ve got a much more extensive 3G network they can depend on whether they’re at work or at home,” Mr McClelland added. This year, Optus will continue to enhance 4G and 3G coverage in the ACT, with more than 35 new mobile sites planned for areas such as Palmerston, the Australian National University, Higgins, Dunlop and Ainslie. (*Notes for editors: The areas where 3G upgrades have been completed in the ACT include: Acton, Aranda, Banks, Belconnen, Braddon, Bruce, Bywong Hill, Canberra Airport, Canberra Centre, Canberra Hospital, Chapman, Charnwood, Chifley, Civic, Constitution, Cook, Crace, Deakin, Dickson, Downer West, Duntroon, Fadden, Fraser, Forrest, Fyshwick Market, Gilmore ,Ginninderra, Gleneagles, Gungahlin Town Centre, Hawker, Holt, Isaacs Ridge, Jerrabomberra, Kaleen, Kambah, Kingston, Larmer, Lyneham, Lyons, Manuka, Melba, Mitchell, Molonglo, Monash, Mt Rogers, Narrabundah, Ngunnawal, Oak Hill, Parliament House, Phillip, Queanbeyan, Questacon, Red Hill South, Richardson, Russell, Torrens, Tuggeranong Bus Depot, Tuggeranong Town Centre, Turner, Wanniassa, Westfield Belconnen, Weston, Windy Hill, Yarralumla.) To find out more about 4G Plus and where and it’s available, visit: www.optus.com.au/4gplus   Media contact Derek Lau Optus Corporate Affairs (02) 8082 7850 media@optus.com.au Follow us on Twitter: @optusnewsroom