Aussie telco Optus to deploy 5G networks in early 2019

Australian telco Optus has revealed its plans for a 5G rollout to key cities, with a target of early 2019 to have these networks in place.

The company has pipped rival Telstra to the announcement, this having already deployed 4.5G services during 2017. Optus’s 5G solution, it says, will be 15 times faster than anything on the market at the moment.

Optus Managing Director of Networks Dennis Wong said: “People have been hearing about 5G for some time, and there is pent up expectation, but to date a lot of the talk has been highly theoretical.”

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The announcement follows a successful trial which showed 2Gbps download speeds using a potential device for a fixed wireless service in the home and business.

Wong continued: “This is a technology and future we at Optus are extremely passionate about. This successful trial is a historical milestone in Optus’ journey to 5G.”

Optus plans to showcase its 5G solution during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, allowing visitors to Broadbeach to experience playing sports in VR, competing against machines and remotely controlling robots.

“When developing and testing new technologies, end customer experience remains our top priority,” Wong added. “By successfully testing commercial grade customer equipment, we’re able to pave the way for Optus to begin testing 5G technologies from a consumer perspective.

“We continue to be involved in the fine tuning of the customer equipment with our partner – Huawei, to ensure that the equipment meets the standards as they are being endorsed.”

Optus has been working towards the delivery of 5G technology since 2016, and last committed to a $1bn investment to extend regional coverage across Australia.