New 4G technology hits the ACT, promising even faster speeds
Canberrans are the first in Oz to experience the superfast Optus 4G (Time -Division) TD-LTE network, and can buy dual band WiFi modems, USB dongles from today.
This TD LTE is Optus’ “new flavour” of 4G on top of its 4G Frequency division (FD-LTE), which is the 4G network technology it offers elsewhere over 1800 MHz spectrum.
Optus 4G TD-LTE network runs on 2300 MHZ, promises faster speeds (tests hits 61Mbps) and is good for Internet TV streaming or other web services heavy on downloads, first announced last month.
TD-LTE trials are also underway in St Mary’s in Sydney.
The telco is now selling its first 4G Dual band compatible devices – the 4G Dual band USB dongle and WiFi modem, on $45 and $60 plans.
The telco is charging $45 (+ $15 device fee) for Huawei E5776 WiFi modem (dual band) with 7GB data and on $60 plan (+$15) with 10GB data.
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| Huawei Dual Band WiFi modem |
The second option is E3276 v2 premium USB dongle with same price plans as above but as cheaper $11 device fee.
Both devices are compatible with Optus’ 4G network – LTE TD or FD LTE, and are backward compatible with Optus’ 3G network.
Canberra is the first location running Optus’ new 4G TD-LTE network, with 13 sites activated with its latest 4G technology, used by Asian telcos.
4G coverage is available in selected parts of Canberra CBD only, however, with is set to expand to more than 50 sites in the city later this year.
“The launch of Optus 4G in Canberra today represents another important milestone in our ambitious 4G expansion program, which in the past 12 months has delivered 4G to many mainland capital cities and holiday hotspots such as the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Toowoomba,” said G?nther Ottendorfer, Managing Director of Optus Networks.
“Customers will need compatible devices that operate on the new technology in Canberra, but these 4G Dual band devices will integrate with our existing 4G network in other cities and our 3G network nationally,” Mr Ottendorfer continued.
Optus customers have been trialling Optus 4G in Canberra in the past month.
