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Vodafone Australia has announced it will open its 4G network to several new mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), following earlier agreements this year to provide access to Kogan Mobile and TPG Mobile.
The latest group of MVNOs gaining 4G access includes Macquarie Telecom, Lebara, Pivotel Prepaid, Hello Mobile, and Go Talk. “We’ve invested billions of dollars in the Vodafone network over recent years, and we’re very pleased to be offering our fast, reliable 4G services to more of our MVNO partners,” said Paul Tierney, Head of Wholesale at Vodafone.
Provided customers have a 4G-capable device, subscribers to these MVNOs will be able to use Vodafone’s 4G network for browsing the web, streaming, and uploading or downloading content.
Earlier in the year, Telstra also opened its 4G network to MVNOs and now supports providers such as Woolworths Mobile, ALDI Mobile, Telechoice, and Better Life. Telstra’s move follows Optus and Virgin Mobile, which have been supplying 4G access to MVNOs for more than two years. Examples of MVNOs using Optus’ 4G Plus network include Vaya, Live Connected, and Zen Connect.
Vodafone has been rapidly expanding its 4G coverage across Australia in response to competitive pressure. In February, the company acquired AU$68 million worth of 1800 MHz spectrum at auctions run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to bolster capacity and reach.
(ACMA auction results: Vodafone = Red, Telstra = Blue, Optus = Yellow, TPG = Green)
According to the ACMA results, Vodafone secured two lots in North Queensland for AU$7.75 million, one lot in South Queensland for AU$7.91 million, four lots in the Australian Capital Territory for AU$37 million, two lots in Tasmania for AU$12.87 million, and two lots in Regional Western Australia for AU$2.5 million. These purchases support Vodafone’s goal of improving 4G availability and network performance nationwide.
Market data from Kantar shows Vodafone Australia, Virgin Mobile, and TPG lost subscribers over the past year, while Telstra and Optus were the only major providers to grow their mobile customer bases. Telstra’s market share rose to 41.1 percent from 39.7 percent the previous year. Network measurement firm OpenSignal reports Vodafone now matches Telstra in terms of 4G availability, reflecting significant recent investments and rollout progress.
Lebara will start using Vodafone’s 4G network on June 30, with Macquarie Telecom, Pivotel Prepaid, Hello Mobile, and Go Talk scheduled to follow on July 6. This broader MVNO access gives consumers more choices for 4G service plans without needing to change underlying network coverage.
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