Optus makes first LTE data connection at 700MHz

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 01 November 2011 12:49

IT Industry - Strategy

Optus says it has successfully completed the first data connection using LTE technology operating in the 700MHz "Digital Dividend" band.

 

This follows Optus announcing in September that the ACMA had granted it access to the spectrum for trials and that it had partnered with technology supplier, Huawei, to undertake the trials, in Bendigo where the analogue TV service that previously used the spectrum has already been closed down.

Günther Ottendorfer, managing director of Optus Networks, said that Optus would test a variety of commercially available consumer devices that operate in the 700MHz band, including smartphones, tablets and WiFi hotspots.

The 700MHz band is already being used for LTE services in North America and is favoured as a complement to higher frequencies, including the 1800MHz band in which Telstra's commercial LTE service operates, because of its greater range and greater ability to penetrate buildings.

(In the US, AT&T announced today that if would offer its first LTE capable smartphones from November 6: the Android based HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket. Both phones would support voice and HSPA data on Australian networks but LTE support is 700MHz only).

Optus said it was using the trial to measure how 700MHz LTE technology performs in terms of speed and coverage when compared to other LTE technologies. "Another key component of the trial will be the ability to test a variety of current Optus services and applications including smartphone apps, mobile TV services, IPTV, low-latency gaming and HD video conferencing within an LTE environment."

Optus announced in September that it would launch commercial LTE services at 1800MHz in mid 2012, starting with Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas.

At the launch of its commercial 1800MHz LTE network in September Telstra executives declined to answer questions as to if, or when Telstra would trial LTE at 700MHz.

The ACMA announced last month that it would auction the spectrum in late 2012.