The telco’s state manager for Queensland, Mark O’Shea, says athletes will be able to make their calls while charging their phones and watching all the action of the games in a “stadium style atmosphere”.

“As the Official Support Network of the GC2018 Commonwealth Games, Optus is committed to providing a great experience for all our athletes, support staff and fans throughout the games,” O’Shea said.

“We will also be providing free Wi-Fi access to the 6600 athletes and team officials in the Games Village, with boosted coverage in the most populated areas.”

The Yes Optus store in the Games Village will be one of three pop-up stores on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games, giving visitors the opportunity to connect to the Optus network while at the games.

O’Shea says stores at the Gold Coast Airport and main media centre will also be offering a range of mobile accessories, pre- and post-paid plans and mobiles, including the new iPhone X and Samsung S9.

“The media won’t miss out on these wonderful facilities, with the main media centre offering free Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging stations, outdoor tables and chairs and beanbags to relax.”

More than 30 countries including Canada, the UK and New Zealand have partnered with Optus to help their athletes stay connected across Queensland, by signing up to Optus’ Pre-paid SIM plans.

“Athletes, support staff and media from every country will have access to these pre-paid plans, offering a heap of data and unlimited talk and text options, while being connected to Optus’ super-fast network,” O’Shea said.

Optus is providing the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games communications infrastructure and managed services.

Photos: courtesy Optus