Optus demonstrates world’s first 2300MHz + 3500MHz 5G Carrier Aggregation Call

Strengthening its 5G leadership, Optus has made the 2300 + 3500MHz 5G Non-Standalone Carrier Aggregation call as it continues to test and trial the cutting-edge capabilities that this next generation technology can deliver.

The call - made in Sydney, in collaboration with technology partner Ericsson and using Samsung’s Galaxy S20 5G handset range - demonstrated the benefits of utilising both spectrum frequencies simultaneously, that is: a significant increase in the average and peak 5G speeds that customers, with an eligible handset, will benefit from as the capability becomes available across Optus’ Sydney and Melbourne 5G Dual Band network later this year

“5G Carrier Aggregation is a significant technology milestone that provides us with the ability to combine two spectrum frequencies to improve and extend the coverage, speed and capacity of our 5G network,” said Lambo Kanagaratnam, Optus Managing Director Networks.

“When using carrier aggregation, customers will see an improved experience when using data hungry applications and services, such as high-resolution video streaming, AR/VR and downloading large files. It will also ensure that when our 5G network is in high demand and being used by many customers simultaneously, that these applications run seamlessly.

“We are ambitious in our 5G network rollout and together with our technology partner, Ericsson, this testing has further demonstrated how carrier aggregation can and will play an important role in optimising the capacity of our network.”

Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and Global Customer Unit Singtel, says “Ericsson is pleased to be working with Optus in deploying 5G TDD-TDD carrier aggregation on 5G NSA. 5G TDD-TDD carrier aggregation on 5G NSA allows Optus to combine its mid-band spectrum to deliver its customers higher 5G peak speeds and is an important step towards building Optus’ 5G network.”

“The Galaxy S20 5G and Note20 5G have introduced to our customers, a range of completely new experiences which extend from the handset design and chipsets, through to the incredible network performance in Australia,” said Garry McGregor, Vice President, Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics Australia. “We are committed to working with our partners to build on many years of investment in calibrating our devices for the Australian market.”

Optus’ carrier aggregation world first is yet another significant 5G technology milestone following the launch of the world’s first, capacity enhancing 2300+3500MHz Dual Band Network earlier this year.

Optus 5G has been rolled out to over 900 sites and is available to more than 426,000 households. Optus is the only provider of 5G Home Internet and 5G mobile service in Australia.

Availability of 5G carrier aggregation will be deployed later this year to local compatible variants of the Galaxy S20 5G and the newly launched Galaxy Note20 5G.

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