Telecommunications provider Optus has announced that it has upgraded over 1000 3G mobile sites since last September to provide better 3G coverage using 900Mhz spectrum.
Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director, Optus Networks said, “Our customers are making the most of these network enhancements with a 20 per cent increase in 3G data usage in our upgraded areas”.
“Our intention to build the best mobile network in Australia relies on having a strong foundation in 3G, while transitioning into a 4G world,” Mr Ottendorfer said.
Mentioning 4G, the challenger telco revealed that is now offering 4G mobile broadband services in Sydney and Perth, following successful trials in Newcastle.
Signups to this new 4G network will initially be limited to small business, enterprise and government customers in Sydney and Perth. Optus 4G customers will have to purchase new Optus 4G USB mobile broadband and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to use the new service.
Speaking at a media briefing in Sydney, Mr Ottendorfer said, “Building on our first 4G services in Newcastle earlier this year, business customers in Sydney and Perth can now get faster speeds, greater capacity and quicker response times on their 4G mobile broadband services – ahead of our wider consumer 4G launch”.
“Australian businesses want fast, reliable mobile broadband that lets them work flexibly, enabling new and exciting ways to interact and transact with their customers. Our investment in next-generation 4G mobile technology provides businesses with the choice of faster speeds over 4G, now backed by a stronger 3G network,” Mr Ottendorfer said.
Optus still has some way to go in catching up to the mobile market leader Telstra, which announced in May that it had switched on its 1000th 4G mobile tower, one year to the day when they first switched on Telstra 4G.