Australian operator Optus has activated its 4G LTE network for select customers across Greater Newcastle, as well as in Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas. Operator is initially offering these 4G services to select customers for free, in exchange for their feedback on network performance and device capability.

This is ahead of Optus’ 4G capital city network rollout, which will see 4G services delivered to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth from mid-2012. Phase two of the rollout will see an expansion of 4G services to Brisbane and Adelaide from the first half of next year.

Customers will initially be allocated Optus 4G wireless dongles, with business customers also receiving mobile Wi-Fi adapters. 4G compatible handsets will be available to Optus customers over the coming months.

“Today marks the first step towards Australians having a choice for 4G services so they can connect and interact in new ways. By working with our customers to gather their feedback, Optus aims to continually enhance its 4G network and ensure that customers have an outstanding experience now, and into the future,” said Günther Ottendorfer, Optus Managing Director Networks.