In telecommunications, 4G is the fourth generation of cell phone mobile communications standards. It is a successor of the third generation (3G) standards. A 4G system provides mobile "ultra-broadband" Internet access. Many Australian networks are currently rolling out 4G networks nationwide.
Contents
Networks
Optus
In September 2014, Optus launched LTE Carrier Aggregation in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Optus markets LTE Carrier Aggregation as "4G Plus". Optus combines two 20 MHz channels of 2.3 GHz spectrum.
Telstra
At the end of September 2014, Telstra has opted not to extend combined 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Carrier Aggregation service.
In November 2014, Telstra launched LTE Carrier Aggregation (marketed as 4GX) in parts of Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and ten regional centres (Albany, Ulladulla, Murray Bridge, Narrawallee, Shepparton, Bateman’s Bay, Swansea, Bunbury, Port Macquarie and Chinchilla), bringing to 26 the number of communities with the service. The operator wants to bring "4GX" to at least 50 regional centres by New Year’s Day. Telstra combines 20 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of 1.8 GHz spectrum.
Telstra
Telstra were the first carrier in Australia to launch VoLTE. The service is available on 6 phones (Four being iPhones and two being Samsung Galaxy's). Telstra have switched on the VoLTE on every one of their 4G networks across Australia but currently the 4G small cells setup in regional Australia do not have VoLTE compatibility. The VoLTE network is said to be clearer and provide up to 5 way voice calls.
Optus
Optus have not rolled out VoLTE but instead introduced an app which allow call and messages to be placed and received over a WiFi connection instead of the existing 2G/3G networks. The app is designed to provide high quality calls to people in areas with limited to no phone reception. Optus claim that VoLTE is currently in testing.
Vodafone
Vodafone plan to release VoLTE later this year
700 MHz
The 700 MHz band was previously used for analogue television and became operational with 4G in December 2014.
Optus
Optus announced trials of its 4G 700 MHz network in Darwin and Perth CBDs on July 21, 2014.
The 700mhz network was made active on January 1, 2015.
Telstra
In July 2014 Telstra announced a trial of 4G services in the 700 MHz spectrum in Perth, Fremantle, Esperance, Mildura, Mt Isa and Griffith. Service launched in November 2014. This band will be the basis for the '4GX' brand.
850 MHz
The 850 MHz band is currently operated as a 3G network by Telstra and Vodafone and as a 4G network by Vodafone.
Vodafone switched the 4G 850 network on in Adelaide on 6 October 2014. By the end of 2014 all other capital cities and some regional centers had access to 4G 850.
1800 MHz
The 1800 MHz band is currently operated as a 2G and 4G network by Optus, Telstra and Vodafone.
Optus
Optus has now installed their 4G networks in all the capital cities and thousands of regional areas, and markets that they currently cover 86% of the Australian population with their 4G Plus Network
Telstra
Telstra was the first mobile phone network to operate 4G and 2G in the same band. Their 4G network covers capital cities and some regional areas.
Vodafone
The Vodafone 4G network was first live in selected metro areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, and the outer metro areas of Wollongong, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong from June 12, 2013. The 1800 MHz network has since been expanded to include all capital cities and major outer metro areas.
Optus
Optus and Telstra trialled the 2600 MHz frequency in Australia. Service launched in October 2014.
Telstra
Telstra announced to use the frequency 2016 for commercial service.
TPG
TPG had initially surprised some by bidding in the auction as they had no infrastructure at the time. On the 30 September 2015 TPG signed a deal with Vodafone Australia to gain access to Vodafone base stations. In return TPG will provide Dark Fibre to vodafone towers and also move their current mobile subscribers from the Optus network over to the Vodafone network.
4G Sites (Base Stations)
As of June 2016:
Resellers
The following mobile virtual network operators offer 4G services in Australia:
Telstra
In January 2013, Telstra launched LTE-Roaming in Hong Kong. Telstra partners with csl.
4G roaming from Telstra in now available in New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America
Vodafone
Vodafone has 4G roaming in the Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom. Both prepaid and postpaid services can use 4G in those countries overseas.
Optus
Optus have 4G roaming switched on but do not publish which countries offer it.
Vodafone
In mid-February 2014, Vodafone announced LTE-Roaming for New Zealand, UK and Europe. In August 2014, Vodafone launched LTE-Roaming for New Zealand.