Optus Connecting Regional Australia with Fast-Tracked 5G Rollout

Optus customers will start to experience the benefits of enhanced network capacity and an improved customer experience in regional areas across Australia from today with the official start of its network and spectrum sharing arrangement with TPG Telecom under the regional Multi-Operator-Core Network (MOCN) agreement.

The fast-tracked 5G network rollout under the MOCN agreement will significantly boost Optus’ network in regional areas and enable Optus to complete its 5G rollout two years earlier than originally planned.

The MOCN agreement also allows Optus to leverage additional spectrum to deliver better service quality to customers in regional Australia.

Optus has been dedicated to regional Australia for over three decades and regional customers and communities will benefit from Optus’ plans to accelerate 5G roll-out in the regions, fast-tracking the number of 5G sites in those areas to 1500 by the end of 2028 and 2,444 by the end of 2030.

Anthony Shiner, Managing Director, Customer Solutions at Optus said: "More Optus coverage cross Australia means more opportunities for our customers to connect with family, business clients, friends and other loved ones in their busy lives.

“The fast-tracked 5G rollout allows us to enhance Optus coverage and capacity for our customers, ensuring they can stay connected with 5G in more places and enjoy a great mobile experience.”

Optus 5G+ Delivers More 5G Coverage Across Australia Than Optus’ Standard 5G

As part of the broader 5G network rollout Optus is also delivering Optus 5G+[1], which provides up to five times more Optus 5G coverage across Australia compared to its standard 5G[2].

Optus 5G+ is standalone network infrastructure that provides broader coverage and greater capacity compared to its standard 5G. Built to enhance Optus’ existing 5G coverage, Optus 5G+ operates independently of 4G, and offers a better mobile experience for eligible customers.

Optus 5G+ is available in selected areas across Australia, including in key regional areas like Busselton (WA), Orange (NSW), Toowoomba (QLD), Ballarat (VIC), and Launceston (TAS) among others. Customers with a compatible plan, phone and SIM can stay connected with 5G in more places across Australia[3].

“Optus 5G+ represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering the very best for our customers. Whether you’re in a busy metro area or exploring regional Australia, we’re working to provide stronger, faster connections in more places,” Shiner added.

Strengthening Competition and Innovation

Optus has also been collaborating with Starlink over the past year to expand connectivity across Australia, and in 2024 launched Satellite Internet for Business. We continue to work together on satellite direct-to-mobile technology which has previously not been possible in Australia and are working with SpaceX to commence local testing.

With over 250 retail stores across the country and the convenience of My Optus app, Optus is on hand to provide expert tech advice, track service usage and support the community’s connectivity needs.

–ENDS– 

[1]Optus 5G+ is a new name for Optus’ 5G Standalone or 5G SA mobile network.

[2]Optus 5G+ available in selected areas and on selected plans, with compatible device and SIM. Coverage increase and experience improvements available with Optus 5G standalone infrastructure (Optus 5G+) compared to Optus 5G non-standalone network and varies based on device and location. Android 5G devices with access to the 2100 band may experience lower increases in coverage in certain locations. Check website for coverage and further details.

[3]Optus 5G+ coverage and experience benefits available to eligible Optus mobile customers with a selected mobile plan, 5G+ enabled device, and a SIM newer than 2021 or eSIM. Customers can check eligibility at optus.com.au/Optus5GPlus, or at a local Optus store.

To find out more about Optus’ network coverage and availability, visit optus.com.au/coverage.

To learn more about Optus 5G+, visit optus.com.au/5G.

Media contact:
Nidhi Gorai
P: 02 9037 8179 
media@optus.com.au