Optus today announced its intention to spend $1 billion to improve and expand its mobile network in regional Australia by the end of June 2018. Today’s announcement builds on Optus’ ongoing investment program which has directed more than $3.6 billion into its mobile networks since 2015.
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Using the funding, Optus will:
- build 500 new mobile sites across regional and remote parts of Australia, including 114 sites under the Federal Government’s Mobile Blackspots Program;
- complete the 4G upgrade program which will upgrade more than 1,800 sites from 3G to 4G technology;
- add additional 4G capacity to more than 200 sites, delivering improved customer experience during periods of high usage;
- continue to roll out its innovative satellite small cell technology, which provides mobile voice and data services to remote areas of Australia, building on Optus’ existing rollout of 30 small cell sites across regional Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory; and
- meet the cost of spectrum licences in regional areas.
Allen Lew, Optus’ Chief Executive Officer said, “This represents one of the single largest investments in regional mobile infrastructure in Australia’s history. Optus’ funding is earmarked to expand coverage and improve overall network performance for residents, businesses, and our wholesale partners. It will also help build the network resilience that is critical to supporting public safety and emergency services during natural disasters.”
“Optus is building out its mobile network in the places where people live, work and travel to ensure they can lead a vibrant online life. Importantly, we are densifying the mobile network to provide better download speeds for data-hungry applications such as video streaming.”
“Regional communities rely on a strong mobile network to support their key industries, and to deliver critical services like health care and education. Through this investment, Optus will help propel regional businesses into national and international markets by providing network reliability; high speed connectivity; and advanced technologies such as cloud and cyber security services that industries need to thrive and grow,” Mr Lew said.
The Minister for Regional Development and Regional Communications, Fiona Nash said, “I congratulate Optus on backing regional Australia. An investment of this size is a huge vote of confidence in our regions. Some 500 new towers is a great result for our regions.”
Mr Lew said Optus is confident that over the next year, more Australians will see their Optus services improve even further, with better call quality and more reliable data services.
