Optus to commence network technology refresh from April 2022
As part of its investment in building a world-class network, Optus will commence a network technology refresh from late April 2022, reallocating its 2100MHz spectrum assets as consumers and enterprise continue to embrace the speed and advanced capabilities of 4G and 5G technologies.
Some of Optus’ 2100MHz spectrum assets that are currently used to support 3G technology, will be reallocated to provide a better 4G network experience as well as support the growth of 5G, providing a better and more enhanced customer experience 5G will enable a range of new consumer and enterprise use cases such as industrial automation and immersive entertainment using augmented and virtual reality.
“In the last 12 months we have really seen our customers embrace 5G technology with take up of 5G enabled devices growing significantly. It’s important that our spectrum assets are working well for customers, enabling them to truly benefit from innovative and emerging technologies on our world class networks as they move to new and more advanced 4G and 5G devices,” said Lambo Kanagaratnam, Optus Managing Director Networks.
“We know that our customers are using more data than ever. They’re downloading, sharing and streaming content, using apps and connecting with friends and colleagues virtually. In order to support this thirst for connectivity it’s vital that we evolve our network and redeploying our 2100MHz spectrum assets to better accommodate next generation technologies is an important step in achieving this.”
After April 2022 Optus will no longer offer a dual band 3G network, instead offering 3G services via its 900MHz spectrum band only. Customers with a 2100MHz-only 3G device will need to upgrade their device to have 4G LTE capability to access the Optus network, which will provide them a better customer experience than the 2100Mhz 3G network.
Optus Wholesale service provider customers using the 2100MHz network will also be affected.
“Importantly we are providing 12 months’ notice to ensure affected customers are aware of our plans and have sufficient time to upgrade to newer devices that can support 4G or 5G,” added Mr Kanagaratnam.
Optus will commence customer-specific communications to those impacted by the change over the coming months including contacting customers that may have very old SIM cards to assist with an upgrade of their SIM card if required. We will also ensure customers have access to the latest information on this technology refresh via the Optus website.
Some examples of impacted single band devices, as sourced from the GSMA IMEI database, are set out below.
Manufacturer
Model
ZTE
F286
Telit
H24 NA DB/2100 (formerly known as Motorola H24 NA DB/2100)
Huawei
ECO
Nokia
6110 Navigator
Samsung
GT-S7580L
ZTE
T55
Nokia
N95-2
Apple
iPad (A1430)
Nokia
C2-01.5
Samsung
SGH-F480i
Media Contact Optus Corporate Affairs media@optus.com.au 02 8082 7850
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