LASTING LEGACY ROCKETS THE GOLD COAST TO THE TOP OF SPORTING CLASS

Following the conclusion of the GC2018 Commonwealth Games, Optus says its technological investment in the games has now made the Gold Coast one of Australia’s most desirable major event destinations.

After investing more than $30 million across the Gold Coast ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Optus’ network infrastructure makes the Gold Coast one of Australia’s most digitally connected cities, capable of hosting a range of major sporting and entertainment events.

Ian Smith, Optus Vice President and Executive Lead for the Commonwealth Games said, “Optus wanted to deliver the infrastructure on the Gold Coast to leave a lasting legacy for the Coast.”

“As a world-tourism hotspot, we wanted to build a network that would help better connect the local community, businesses and millions of tourists who visit the Gold Coast every year,” said Mr Smith.

“Optus delivered a permanent high speed, resilient network across the Gold Coast with more than 426km of fibre delivering the data, commentary and broadcast vision for the games to more than 1.5 billion people from around the world.”

“The technological infrastructure that has been installed for the Games, gives the Gold Coast the ability to host any major world sporting or entertainment event, knowing their network can handle the massive increases of population and data usage you would expect from a major event.”

“This permanent investment in the Gold Coast in both the network and ICT solutions, enabled the city to handle a 600% increase in uploads and almost 300% increase in downloads in major sporting venues during the Commonwealth Games, “Mr Smith added.

Optus also recently announced a partnership with the City of the Gold Coast, to allow Optus access to city-owned assets to expand its telecommunications network and services.

Optus will utilise Council assets such as buildings, street lights and traffic lights to expand its network and provide enhanced mobile phone and internet services to the City of the Gold Coast.

“Part of our investment on the Gold Coast was also about demonstrating that Optus is committed to providing a first-class mobile network for the residents and businesses across the Coast,” said Mr Smith.

“Optus recently showcased the capabilities of its 5G network during the Commonwealth Games providing a glimpse into the compelling future use cases of 5G Technologies for consumers and businesses.”

As the Official Support Network of the GC2018 Commonwealth Games, Optus delivered the entire events communications infrastructure and managed services for the Commonwealth Games.

Optus invested more than $30million in the Gold Coast ahead of the Commonwealth Games, with the completion of more than 340 infrastructure projects including 12 new towers, more than 100 upgrades and improved in-building and regional coverage across the coast. 

New tower locations: Broadbeach Waters, Benowa, Southport, Carrara, Runaway Bay, Tweed Valley, Burleigh Heads, Southport, Springwood, Varsity Lakes, Parkwood, and Nerang.

Media enquiries:
Shay Menyweather
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au