Optus launches consumer 4G in Sydney, Newcastle and Perth

The Optus has so far installed LTE equipment operating in the 1800MHz spectrum band at 600 base stations across the country. The Sydney 4G network covers approximately 10km of the CBD, ranging from Lindfield in the north to Botany Bay in the south. The Perth coverage is 20km from east to west of the Perth CBD, and 15km from north to south. Full coverage maps can be found here.

Coinciding with the consumer launch, Optus' first 4G smartphone on offer will be the Samsung Galaxy S III, available on a 24-month plan for either AU$67 per month (with AU$650 worth of calls and SMS and 1.5GB of data), or AU$80 per month (with AU$850 worth of calls and SMS and 2GB of data). The device comes pre-loaded with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, a quad-core processor, an 8 megapixel (MP) camera, and a 1.9MP front-facing camera. //zdnet.com

Nokia Siemens Networks supports Optus network modernization and 4G implementation

Sydney, Australia – July 31, 2012

 

 

Nokia Siemens Networks supports Optus network modernization and 4G implementation

• To modernize Optus’ mobile network including refarming the 900 MHz GSM frequency band to improve UMTS 3G coverage
• To implement Evolved Packet Core and rollout parts of 4G LTE 1800 MHz radio access network

 

Optus, one of the leading mobile operators in Australia, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as a partner for its key network initiatives. The agreement includes modernization of the mobile network, refarming the 900 MHz GSM frequency band, and providing infrastructure and services for LTE* (4G) rollout in Sydney and Perth. In addition, as part of this agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole LTE core provider for Optus.

 

“Spectrum is a scarce resource, so operators are seeking ways to make the best use of it. With this deal, Optus will re-use its existing spectrum to modernize its radio network and also offer 4G services cost-efficiently in one of the largest spectrum migration programs globally,” said Stephen McFeeley, head of Australia and New Zealand at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our mobile broadband offering, based on the Liquid Core and Liquid Radio architectures, will assist Optus in managing the dynamic capacity and technology demands in one of the most advanced mobile broadband markets.”

 

“Our major mobile network initiatives, including network enhancements, U900 MHz spectrum migration program and 4G services rollout aim to provide the best possible experience for our customers,” added Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director, Networks at Optus. “Nokia Siemens Networks is a key network partner in supporting these initiatives.”

 

Nokia Siemens Networks is upgrading the Optus mobile network and deploying 4G using its Single RAN (radio access network)** platform, based on its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company is also providing its Evolved Packet Core platform including Flexi NS (Network Server) and Flexi NG (Network Gateway). Optus’ LTE, GSM and 3G networks will be monitored, managed and optimized by Nokia Siemens Networks’ unified network management system, NetAct.

 

In addition to Optus’ in-house services capability, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide Optus with a range of services, including network implementation, spectrum refarming, radio planning, optimization, project management, and care including spare part management, software maintenance, third-party software support and training. Some of these services will be delivered remotely through Nokia Siemens Networks' Global Delivery Centers. Nokia Siemens Networks will also implement its In Building Solution (IBS) that enables reliable mobile broadband connectivity by significantly improving network capacity and coverage inside buildings.

 

The company will provide reliable and secure 4G services over the network through its radio transport security solution. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide network operations support to improve Optus' network efficiency and quality.

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More about Optus

Optus initiated LTE TDD 2.3 GHz trial

Optus has initiated a trial of TD-LTE services in western Sydney and in its headquarters, using Nokia Siemens Networks solution and 3 * 20 MHz spectrum (separated) in band 40 (where it has 98 MHz) demonstrating throughput up to 240 Mbps. It plan to launch commercial TD-LTE services in 2013.

Optus just launched FDD-LTE services operating in the 1800 MHz band (2*10 MHz).

\\itwire.com