Optus launches world’s first 2300MHz and 3500MHz dual band 5G production network

Optus has successfully launched the world’s first 2300MHz and 3500MHz spectrum 5G dual-band production network partnering with Ericsson and Samsung which has the potential to increase 5G capacity and coverage to Optus customers.

The dual band network was launched in Sydney, with Melbourne to follow in the coming weeks, and tested on the new flagship Samsung Galaxy S20 5G devices. As Optus has access to both 2300MHz and 3500MHz spectrum in Australian capital cities, today’s announcement marks yet another milestone in Optus’ push to provide Australians with a world leading 5G network.

“As we push ahead with the roll out of our 5G network we are also continuing to test and implement new ways of enhancing our 5G network. Initial findings from our dual band testing have shown that the use of these two spectrum bands delivered increased 5G capacity and coverage which if deployed will ultimately benefit our customers,” said Kent Wu, Optus Head of Network Access Planning and Quality.

“Our 5G customers are already enjoying higher average speeds, quicker time to download content and a consistent high definition video experience. The implementation of a dual-band 5G network will enhance these elements to ensure experiences are more reliable, particularly during peak usage times.”

Optus is the first operator to launch dual band 5G in Australia. The 5G dual band network was developed with Ericsson’s innovative 2300MHz and 3500MHz 5G Radio System equipment.

“Having achieved interoperability milestones in all main 5G frequency bands, our teams at Ericsson are well positioned to support Optus in this dual-band network launch in Australia. As a global technology leader, we will continue to enable all our customers to deploy 5G and to utilize their valuable spectrum assets in the fastest and most efficient way,” says Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and Global Customer Unit Singtel.

Garry McGregor, Vice President, IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia said “The Galaxy S20 range delivers the best in Samsung device performance. It is optimised to power our customers with the latest network capability around Australia.”

“This announcement builds on many years of working with Optus to optimise Samsung devices for their latest network developments. This includes the launch of 5G mobile services in 2019, and now, device support for dual band 5G 2300MHz and 3500MHz frequencies.”

Media contact:
Anna Garcia
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au