Optus says the move marks a “step change in coverage and quality for customers as it reaches a milestone of more than 1100 metropolitan and regional sites supporting new 4G 700 MHz spectrum.”
It repeated its claim that its 4G – now 4G Plus – network will reach 90% of the Australian population (not area) by April 2015.
Optus Mobile marketing head Ben White said: “Our 4G Plus network is getting stronger every day. With the right device, customers can enjoy superfast speeds in more big cities, regional and holiday towns, as well as a stronger 4G signal indoors, whether at home or in the office.”
With the right devices – there’s the rub. 4G Plus. Not all mobile devices are capable of taking advantage of 4G Plus, though most new phones from major suppliers are, including Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Also capable of 4G Plus are Samsung’s Galaxy S5, LG’s G3, Sony’s Xperia Z3 and HTC’s One (M8).
What Optus calls 4G Plus network is a multiband network that uses a combination of spectrum (LTE 700/1800/2100/2300/2600 MHz) to provide coverage and capacity, with 700 MHz to underpin coverage nationally. It is unique in Australia in that it uses the TDD (time division duplex, otherwise known as LTE-TD) version of 4G in addition to the more common FDD (frequency division duplex, otherwise known as LTE-FD.
Telstra and Vodafone use FDD only, TDD is generally accepted as being better for the asynchronous traffic typical of data, while FDD is more suitable for voice, which is much more likely to have the same amount of traffic in each direction.
“Our unique combination of spectrum bands means we can deliver a great 4G experience to consumers and businesses around Australia, whether it’s in the big cities, regional or holiday areas,” said White.
“We have already given customers a taste of our 4G Plus network in more than 100 regional and locations including Albury, Ballarat, Cairns, Port Augusta, and Bunbury in the west and Snug in Tasmania. We are well ahead of schedule, with more to come.
“There are multiple plusses to our plans and products, network and customer service and we believe our 4G Plus network also supports how we are helping our customers live more yes,” said White.
