Optus 5G update: 4.5G network launches in Macquarie Park

Optus has launched the 4.5G network in preparation for its 5G technology. The service was switched on across Macquarie Park, a suburb located northwest of Sydney. It is the city's high-tech innovation district. The testing achieved speeds of 1.03Gbps.

Macquarie Park was chosen due to the wide range of infrastructure including transport hubs, shopping centre and a university. The precinct is the technology hub of the city. The location has a diverse environment with a strong cross section of residential and business customers that can help in the assessment of the network's performance in different scenarios.

"4.5G is a key area of investment for our network evolution towards 5G," Managing Director of Networks at Optus Dennis Wong said. He added that the 4.5 network is an important enabler for 5G and that they were excited to be able to deliver the new initiative to the Macquarie Park's customers.

The 4.5G network would be rolled out in selected capital cities in its initial stage. It is expected to be completed up to 70 percent for cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. “Ultimately, the launch is a step closer to Optus being able to deliver 5G network speeds to customers and will continue to invest in R&D and our partnership with Huawei to achieve this,” Wong said.

Coffs Harbour mobile coverage improvement

On Wednesday, Optus announced that it would provide $4.3 million budget in the improvement of 3G and 4G mobile coverage across Coffs Harbour. Optus NSW State Manager Dylan Harrad-Chantler said that the company was committed to providing faster Internet download speeds and improved mobile coverage in the area.

“The Optus mobile network handles over 50 million calls, 65 million SMS messages and carries 600 terabytes of data every day. This growing demand for mobile services is why we are continuously investing and working closely with council and the community to determine locations for new sites,” Harrad-Chantler said. In connection with the improvements made by Optus in other areas, the company offered a free entry to Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool. The event will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Clarence Valley mobile coverage improvement

Optus has also announced that it would improve its 4G and 5G networks in Clarence Valley with a $5.3 million budget. The area is one of the hundreds of regional areas with superfast 4G Plus network reaching 95.5 percent of Australians.

The company has switched on three new towers that would improve coverage along the Pacific Highway. The towers were located at Bom Bom, Grafton CBD and South Grafton. The company planned to add new sites located at Waterview Heights, Nymboida, Palmers Island, Yamba West, Angourie and Brooms Head.