OPTUS IS TURNING ON ITS FIRST COMMERCIAL 700MHZ 4G NETWORK IN DARWIN AND PERTH

Optus is turning on its first commercial 4G 700MHz network in Darwin and Perth CBDs. This will see Optus 4G services rolled out for the first time in Darwin and will enhance Optus 4G in Perth.

Optus has transitioned from recent 4G technical trials to turning on 4G 700MHz at select sites in Darwin and Perth thanks to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) granting early access commercial licences. The commercial pilot means Optus customers with compatible devices will soon be able to access 4G services using 700MHz in select Darwin and Perth CBD areas.

“We’re expanding our superfast 4G network to more Australians this year, with plans to reach 90% of the Australian population by March 2015,” said Vic McClelland, Managing Director of Optus Networks.

“This brings Optus one step closer to the launch of our national 4G 700MHz network as we bring 4G to more places around Australia. It allows us to move beyond the testing phase into what customers experience on our live commercial network and enables us to deliver an enhanced 4G network experience,” he said.

“Using 700MHz we’ll be able to improve the indoor experience for our customers around the country and bring more choice to the 4G market by offering Optus 4G for the first time in places like Darwin,” he said.

Optus customers with compatible devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) will be able to access the new 4G network in select areas, before it becomes more widely available from January 2015. This means Optus customers with compatible devices will soon be able to access 4G services using 700MHz in select Darwin and Perth CBD areas.

From January 2015, as the 700MHz spectrum becomes nationally available for commercial use, Optus will expand its 4G network to around 200 holiday destinations and new regional locations. The spectrum will be also be used to improve the indoor 4G experience for customers in metro areas.

Media contact:

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

media@optus.com.au