(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Geber86)
Last year, Australian telecommunications leader Telstra announced it would open its 4G network to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) by June 2016. In a positive turn, the company has fulfilled that commitment ahead of schedule.
Telstra’s 4G footprint covers approximately 92 percent of the Australian population, operating primarily on the 1800MHz and 700MHz spectrum bands, and using the 2600MHz band in locations that require extra capacity. Customers on the 4G network can expect peak speeds of up to 100 Mbps under ideal conditions.
Early MVNOs set to benefit from access to Telstra’s 4G service include Woolworths, Aldi Mobile, Telechoice, and Better Life. Competitors such as Optus and Virgin Mobile have already offered 4G access to MVNOs for more than two years. Examples of MVNOs using Optus’ 4G Plus network are Vaya, Live Connected, and Zen Connect.
Will Irving, Group Executive of Telstra Wholesale, commented: “We know many of our MVNO customers are keen to have the opportunity to offer 4G services on Australia’s leading mobile network, so we are pleased to have the next evolution of our wholesale offer ready ahead of schedule.”
In February, Telstra invested AU$191 million in spectrum at the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) auction to secure additional 1800MHz spectrum and further expand its 4G coverage.
(ACMA auction results: Telstra = Blue, Optus = Yellow, Vodafone = Red, TPG = Green)
Market data from Kantar indicate a strong year for Telstra. While Vodafone Australia, Virgin Mobile, and TPG lost subscribers, Telstra and Optus were the only major providers to grow their mobile customer bases. Telstra’s total market share rose to 41.1 percent, up from 39.7 percent the previous year.
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