Australian mobile operators Optus and Vodafone have expanded their respective LTE networks, with new low-band spectrum.
Optus yesterday revealed it has launched 4G in the ACT over the 700-MHz band.
The operator is providing 700-MHz LTE services at some 20 sites across the capital territory, and plans to continue expanding the network using its newly-acquired spectrum. It had previously been providing LTE over the 2300-MHz band only.
Optus has been provided early access to 700-MHz digital dividend spectrum in the region by regulator Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
“Our aim is to deliver 4G services to more than 200 regional and holiday destinations by April 2015, taking our population coverage to 90% of [the] Australian population,” Optus managing director of networks Vic McClelland said.
Optus' announcement came days after rival Vodafone Australia launched its new 4G+ network in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The company activated LTE over the 850-MHz band at 704 sites in New South Wales and 396 sites in Queensland, complementing its existing 1800-MHz network.
The 850-MHz spectrum will be used to improve indoor coverage in the three cities.
Vodafone set a target in July of expanding its 4G coverage to reach 95% of the nation's population by the end of the year.