Vodafone Australia to offer 4G in Summer

Australian mobile subscribers are set to benefit from a wider choice of LTE service providers after Vodafone Australia announced it will  launch its 4G service in June. In doing so, Vodafone will become Australia’s third 4G network.

The operator said that it will switch on access to the network for customers with an eligible phone plan and a 4G-ready phone.

The operator’s service will run on the 1800MHz spectrum and the firm said it will invest $1bn over two years on network upgrades.

Vodafone Australia added it will provide most of its coverage in Sydney and Perth, with some additional coverage in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong.

Market leader Telstra began offering LTE services in 2011, and is continuing to invest in its network. The firm has pledged to invest $1.2bn in its wireless network and launch the service on its 900MHz spectrum holding for better coverage in rural areas. The operator also plans to introduce LTE-A technology later this year.

Meanwhile, rival Optus switched on its LTE network in December 2012 and continues to extend its coverage. Optus uses TD-LTE technology in the 1800MHz band, and recently acquired mobile broadband sevices provider Vividwireless Group for $230m, providing the operator with access to 98MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz band.

The LTE Asia conference is taking place on the 18^th-19^th September 2013 at the Suntec, Singapore. Click here to download a brochure for the event.