OPTUS TO BOOST REGIONAL MOBILE COVERAGE WITH 1800 MHZ SPECTRUM

Optus today announced it has successfully acquired new regional licences in the 1800 MHz spectrum band.

Optus successfully acquired 2 x 20 MHz in 5 regions and 2 x 25 MHz in 7 regions for a total amount of $196 million.

The 1800 MHz acquisition means Optus is well placed to expand its 4G network coverage to more places around Australia. The Optus mobile network currently reaches 98.5 per of the Australian population, with 4G services now available for more than 90 per cent of Australians.

Allen Lew, Chief Executive Officer at Optus said, “When combined with our existing assets, this additional spectrum allows Optus to support Australia’s growing demand for data services in regional Australia.”

“Giving more retail and business customers access to superfast 4G in more places underpins our strategy to be a mobile-led entertainment company,” Mr Lew said.

Optus was successful in acquiring 1800 MHz spectrum in contiguous lots with alignment between its metropolitan and regional spectrum assets.

“The use of common frequencies between metropolitan and regional areas will help reduce dead zones across urban and rural boundaries, and give customers a seamless 4G experience when they’re on the go,” Mr Lew said.

The 1800 MHz band is the most popular spectrum globally for 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) deployment and is compatible with the vast majority of 4G devices currently used in Australia.

“The roll out of 4G services using 1800 MHz spectrum means Optus customers with compatible phones can enjoy superfast downloads, browsing and streaming in more places.

Optus now has an expanded mix of spectrum to deliver extensive coverage and superfast speeds for more Australians,” Mr Lew said.

Optus’ current spectrum holdings

Media contact:

Gabrielle Crittenden / Steve Batten

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

media@optus.com.au