Just in time for the on-sale date of Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+, and presumably also in time for Apple’s new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus users, Optus has delivered a present to anyone in Melbourne’s CBD set to own either of Samsung’s new smartphone models.

By combining 1x FDD (Frequency-Division Duplexing) and 2x TDD (Time-Division Duplexing) channels, Optus has achieved 3x Carrier Aggregation (CA) on its ‘4G Plus’ network, which is the world’s first such network, using ‘a unique combination of 20+20MHz of 2300 MHz and 15MHz paired of 1800 MHz spectrum.’

It’s coming to Melbourne’s CBD first, with Ben White, Optus VP of Mobile Marketing noting that ‘3x CA uses three spectrum bands to deliver significantly improved download speeds compared to a single 4G channel,’ and stating that: “This means Optus customers with a compatible category 9 device can expect faster downloads while wandering through Federation Square, enjoying a feed in Flinders Lane or relaxing at Flagstaff Gardens.

“With even more category 9 devices on the way, we will roll out more upgrades across the Optus 4G Plus network so that our customers can take full advantage of the latest technology.”

Optus notes that it was the first telecommunications provider in the world to deliver 3x CA using 1x FDD + 2x TDD technology with commercial network software and a commercial device.

In addition, Optus and its tech partner Huawei also switched on 3x CA in the Newcastle suburbs of Lambton, Mayfield and Mayfield West following extensive development and live testing, during which mobile data download speeds of 317Mbps were achieved.

If only the NBN would hurry up a bit, it might stand a chance against these increasingly fast wireless networks, although with wireless data still vastly more expensive than wired data, the NBN rollout can unfortunately afford to take its time.

Optus notes that it already has 2x Carrier Aggregation (CA) providing speed boosts to compatible category 6 devices in selected areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Hobart and Darwin as well as 20 major regional centres. Category 6 devices include the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung Note edge, the HTC One M9, LG G4 and the Huawei Mate 7.

Optus notes that 2x CA on the Optus 4G Plus network ‘uses several combinations of 4G spectrum bands including 2300MHz and 2300MHz in selected capital cities, 700MHz and 1800MHz in selected capital cities and major metropolitan areas and 700 MHz and 2600MHz in major regional town centres.’

Optus has more details about its 4G Plus rollout and compatible devices here.