Optus: Telstra 'œthreatened' by our rapid network expansion

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 28 August 2008 18:54

IT Industry - Strategy

Optus wasn’t about to let the rest of Telstra’s comments go unanswered, however, with that Optus spokesperson claiming that:

“Telstra is threatened by the fact that Optus’ 3G mobile network is rapidly expanding. While Telstra is busying itself issuing media statements, Optus is getting on with the job of bringing real choice and competition to more Australians.
 
“Some towns switched on recently: 
Finley - NSW
Warragul - VIC
Goondiwindi - QLD
Murray Bridge - SA
Bunbury - WA
 
“We’re on track to reach 96% of the population by end 2008 and 98% by 2009.”

Telstra is still in a position of strength, with its network demonstrably faster and already at 99% with 2 million square kilometres of coverage, but Optus (and presumably Vodafone) are clearly catching up, even if slowly compared with Telstra’s existing achievements.

For consumers and businesses, it simply means more communications and wireless broadband choices (and competition) in more areas.

So, no matter what Telstra, Vodafone, Optus or 3 Mobile say to each other, users are as always, even if only eventually, in the box seat.

Thank goodness for that!