The new technology set to be available in Sydney by early 2016
Australian telecom operator Optus launched LTE services using “advanced” carrier aggregation technology using FDD and TDD technology. The service is provided through a combination of 40 megahertz (20×20 megahertz) of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band paired with 15 megahertz of spectrum in the 1.8 GHz band.
The company initially launched the LTE-Advanced technology in certain suburbs of Newcastle, New South Wales.
“Optus began development and testing of 1x FDD + 2x TDD carrier aggregation in January 2015,” a company spokesman told RCR Wireless News. “Newcastle was selected as it is the location of an Optus Gigasite, which is a live network test site built to test Optus’ entire spectrum assets and push the boundaries of 4G LTE technology developments.”
The company said the new technology supports mobile data download speeds up to 317 megabits per second using a category 9 device.
Optus said that the 3x CA technology is expected to be launched in Melbourne in early September and in Sydney early next year. Brisbane and Adelaide will receive the technology beginning in mid-2016.
Optus customers with category 6 devices can access 2x CA technology, which is provided through several combinations of LTE spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands. Dual-band CA is already available on the Optus 4G Plus network in selected areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin as well as 20 major regional centers.
Optus, a subsidiary of Singapore telecom operator Singtel, ended the first fiscal quarter with 9.38 million mobile subscribers. The operator’s LTE customer base totaled 3.77 million at the end of the period, after a net addition of 283,000 subscribers during the quarter.
“Optus has extended 4G coverage using 700 MHz to more than 300 towns in Australia and our network now reaches close to 90% population coverage. Over the coming year, Optus will continue this important investment program so that more Australians can have access to reliable, super-fast 4G mobile services in more places,” the spokesman said.
In May, Singtel announced plans for approximately AU$1.8 billion ($1.32 billion) in capital expenditure in Australia this financial year.
Vodafone completes LTE upgrade program in New Zealand
In related news, Vodafone New Zealand announced the completion of a nationwide LTE upgrade program. The initiative required the completion of 121 cell site upgrades and 22 new cell site builds.
The program has seen LTE coverage across the country increase to over 85% from approximately 74% in February.
Vodafone New Zealand initially launched LTE services in the country in February 2013. The telco provides LTE services using spectrum in the 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
