Optus launches 4G services in Brisbane, Surfers Paradise

Optus has switched on its first 4G sites in Surfers Paradise and the Brisbane CBD.

In Surfers Paradise, the telecommunications company has turned on 4G services at four sites, with the expectation that the boost in tourism over the Christmas break will increase demand on the network. The company plans to enable more sites in December.

The rollout is continuing in Brisbane CBD, with an additional five 4G sites expected to be switched on next week as part of its plans for a larger rollout to the city, which is scheduled to occur between December and January 2013.

"With the success of these initiatives, we have managed to accelerate network rollout to deliver Optus 4G to select areas of the Gold Coast and Brisbane nearly six months ahead of schedule, with more sites to come online before the end of the year," said Optus Managing Director of Networks Günther Ottendorfer.

Customers that are still limited to 3G networks due to their handsets not supporting 4G will also receive a boost in network performance, with Optus planning further upgrades and new sites across south-east Queensland over the next 12 months.

The move to connect more Queensland customers to its 4G network mirrors recent moves by the company to provide these services in Sydney and Perth. At the time, Optus said that it would only look at Brisbane once its 3G upgrades had finished by the end of the year, but it has since accelerated its plans.

Telstra began its rollout of a 4G network in Brisbane at the end of August. It has begun trialling Samsung equipment in the Queensland capital, and has further plans to provide 4G coverage to 66.6 percent of the Australian population by June 2013.