Optus launches prepaid 4G

Optus prepaid customers now have access to the company's newfangled 4G network.

Announced late last year, the telco kicked-off its 4G post-paid services in September across Sydney, Newcastle, and Perth. Later that month, iiNet announced that it will be wholesaling 4G services through the Optus network.

Optus has since switched on 4G in Brisbane CBD and Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

"Since launching 4G earlier this year, we have seen an incredible amount of interest from our customers," Optus Marketing Managing Director Michael Smith said in a statement.

4G is only available on compatible handsets, which now includes the Apple iPhone 5.

Optus Prepaid Social 4G offerings give users unlimited access to social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter. Recharges start from AU$30, for 250 minutes of standard voice calls and 500MB worth of data, and up to AU$100, which gives users 900 call minutes and 5GB worth of data.

All Prepaid Social recharges give customers unlimited voice calls to Optus mobile numbers and unlimited national SMS. Unused credit will expire 28 days after the recharge is activated.

For those that want to use 4G for just mobile broadband, Optus is offering either a 4G USB dongle or a 4G portable Wi-Fi modem, with device bundles available to be ordered online from November 16.

Telstra launched its 4G network late last year, reporting that it had sold 820,000 4G devices in its first year of operation at the company's October investor day.