Optus is turning on its first commercial 4G LTE 700MHz network in Darwin and Perth CBDs. The launch follows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) granting Optus an early access commercial licence for 4G 700MHz spectrum.

Optus has transitioned from recent 4G technical trials to turning on 4G 700MHz at select sites in Darwin and Perth. The commercial pilot means Optus customers with compatible devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) will be able to access 4G services using 700MHz in select Darwin and Perth CBD areas.

To bring the benefits of 4G to even more customers, Optus is also trialing 4G using its 2100 MHz spectrum in Darwin.

From January 2015, as the 700MHz spectrum becomes nationally available for commercial use, Optus will expand its 4G network to around 200 holiday destinations and regional locations nationally. The spectrum will be used to bring 4G coverage to new regional locations as well as improve the indoor 4G experience for customers in metro areas.