Australia's Optus rolls out 4G on 700 Mhz Spectrum

Australian operator, Optus has unveiled its 4G services on 700 MHz spectrum in Darwin for the first time. As a result of this rollout, customers with compatible 4G devices will now be able to enjoy faster web browsing, downloading and better video streaming in the Darwin CBD area.

The launch follows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) granting Optus an early access commercial licence for 4G 700MHz spectrum.

“We’re excited to be bringing 4G to Darwin and enabling our customers to access superfast mobile data services for the first time,” said Vic McClelland, Managing Director of Optus Networks.

“This commercial pilot kicks-off the expansion of our national 4G network which will bring Optus 4G to more Australians and help us deliver a better 4G network experience to our customers,” McClelland said.

Optus customers with compatible devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) will be able to access the new 4G network in select areas of Darwin’s CBD and get a taste of Optus’ superfast 4G. To bring the benefits of 4G to even more customers, Optus is also trialing 4G using its 2100 MHz spectrum in this area.

“This is great news for Optus customers, but it’s also great news for the Top End with Optus bringing more choice and competition to mobile services,” said Jim Carew, local Optus store owner of three Darwin stores in The Mitchell Centre, Casuarina Square Shopping Centre and Palmerston.

“There are a number of smartphones out there that can use 4G on 700MHz and 2100MHz and as long as customers have a compatible 4G plan, they’ll be able to access Optus’ superfast 4G network,” Carew said.

From January 2015, as the 700MHz spectrum becomes nationally available for commercial use, Optus will expand its 4G network to around 200 holiday destinations and regional locations nationally. The spectrum will be used to bring 4G coverage to new regional locations as well as improve the indoor 4G experience for customers in metro areas.