Optus 5G coverage increases with new 900MHz spectrum activation

In December 2021, in the ACMA low band spectrum auction, Optus bid for and was successful in acquiring 2 x 25 MHz of 900 MHz spectrum. Optus purchased this nation-wide spectrum so that our customers could benefit from better 5G coverage, enabling more of them to enjoy the 5G experience.

We have now achieved early access to a substantial portion of this spectrum, and we’re using it to carry the Optus 5G even further – instantly increasing our population coverage by up to 20% on a per-site basis. In addition to what we have provided is today using the existing mid band spectrum. We have activated close to 1000 sites with the 900 MHz spectrum, with additional sites progressively rolling out across the country. At present, the 5G low band coverage is only available on select devices and subscription plans, with more devices and plans set to be activated this year.

The 900 MHz spectrum, part of what is known as low band, carries mobile signals much further than higher frequency bands, so each base station can provide coverage to a broader area and more customers. This makes 900 MHz spectrum is especially important for regional areas, and Optus is particularly thrilled that we can improve connectivity for those Australians living, working and visiting areas outside of major population centres.

Furthermore, this spectrum is also critical for providing new capabilities and functions for Optus’ 5G network. As we continue to rollout Australia’s fastest 5G network, the additional 900MHz spectrum allows us to potentially deliver 5G’s future IOT applications, ultra-reliable-low-latency-connection (URLLC), and to complement with other mid band and high band spectrums to deliver superfast speeds to more Australians.

5G not only allows for quicker download speeds for activities like watching a bingeworthy TV series, it also promises significant business benefits. Economic modelling by PwC shows that competitive national deployment of 5G could boost the national economy, with cumulative benefits over the decade of $130 billion – equal to 1.2% of GDP – and the creation of 205,000 net new jobs¹.

The same modelling shows that the benefits of 5G deployment in regional Australia over the decade would be $38 billion – equal to 1.4% of GDP – with 45,000 net new jobs created. 

Australians in more urban areas are benefitting from our new spectrum acquisition, too. 900 MHz spectrum provides superior in-building coverage as it can penetrate deeper than mid and high band spectrum. That means that more populated areas, like CBDs and major residential areas, will also benefit from better 5G mobile coverage.

Optus has secured our new spectrum licences for 20 years, commencing in July 2024. This means we will be able to provide customers with the benefits of today’s technologies – and tomorrow’s – for many years to come.

^{[1] Optus 5G Impact Report, Examining 5G’s potential and its impact on a digital future, April 2021}