OPTUS is expected to today flick the on switch to its new 4G mobile network in Newcastle, opening up the latest battleground to win customers in the highly competitive market. Optus has been working since September to upgrade its 3G mobile network to the superfast 4G standard which allows users to access download speeds of between 2Mbps and 40Mbps (up to five times the speed of the Optus 3G network) on mobile phones and tablet devices.It is understood that select Optus customers from its business, consumer and government subscriber base in Newcastle have been supplied with data modems — designed mainly for notebooks and laptops — to use the new service free of charge while the telco puts the final touches on a wider commercial launch.Optus customers in Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas are tipped to be next on the list of 4G-capable regions, while Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are scheduled to be added by the middle of the year.
Optus ready to enter the 4G fray
