Optus to Boost its Satellite and 3G Mobile Broadband Networks
Optus to Boost its Satellite and 3G Mobile Broadband Networks
Month Date, 2007: Optus has inked a deal with Israeli based Gilat for an expansion of its satellite broadband network while at the same time churning out a $500 million roll out of its 3G mobile broadband network into regional Australia.
In all the 3G mobile broadband hype, it’s often overlooked that there’s currently a satellite internet network already up and running, though it runs at slower speeds then the 3G rollouts. Optus has a long standing history with Gilat who will be providing the telecommunications giant with two brand new satellite hubs and thousands of satellite dishes known as Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT’s).
The expansion will see signal strength boosted in a variety of locations, including areas that won’t be covered in Optus’ 3G network expansion. This is expected to boost speeds which currently see a maximum potential of around 100k/sec downloading speeds on the fastest plan, though speeds can be greatly depending on the signal strength. The hubs and VSAT’s follow on from the launch of a new Optus satellite in October, which shows that the broadband network is still of extremely high importance to Australia’s second biggest telco.
Optus’ satellite expansion is utilising the Australian Broadband Guarentee which provides incentive payments to internet providers to supply higher-bandwidth services to remote areas.
"We look forward to continuing our strong support of Optus and its important contribution to improving the quality of life for Australians by providing broadband service availability to citizens regardless of where they live.” Said Erez Antebi, CEO of Gilat.
Mobile Broadband in general is fast becoming a war zone with the major telecommunication companies jostling for position with major network expansion announcements. Telstra has spent $1 Billion on its NextG network which is already operational, while Vodafone announced its own $500 million 3G network.
Optus 3G Network Expansion
The 3G mobile broadband network expansion aims to cover 96% of the population using a combination of the 900 and 2100 Megahertz mobile spectrum. When you consider that Optus currently has 868,000 3G subscribers the network upgrade will also be a major boon for the existing clientele who’ll benefit from a greatly expanded coverage range.
"Our 3G/HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network currently reaches 60 percent of the population, will reach around 80 percent of the population by June 2008 and is set for completion by December 2008 - 18 months ahead of schedule." Said Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive.
"The roll out is on track - we have upgraded our network in all capital cities to 3G/HSPA and the first phase of the extended upgrade is already complete, with areas in Newcastle and Wollongong in service today.”
The network will offer “up to” 3.6mb/second speeds and is expected to cost more then $500 million, a figure remarkably similar to Vodafone’s own estimate. Both Optus and Vodafone have confirmed that they will continue to share their joint 3G operation in the major cities, but will be building their own national 3G networks in regional Australia.
"Additionally, the use of 900MHz and 2100MHz for 3G/HSPA will give the network greater alignment with other mobile markets, as many European and Asia Pacific countries are currently either considering, or are already using, the technology. The two frequencies will inter-operate seamlessly," said O'Sullivan.