LTE trialled by Optus on digital dividend spectrum

According to officials from communications giant Optus it has successfully trialled the country’s first first LTE data call in the 700MHz “digital dividend” spectrum band.

Communications giant Optus has recently announced that it has managed to successfully connect Australia’s first LTE data call in the 700MHz “digital dividend” spectrum band. This is the spectrum that has been created by the switchover from analogue TV to digital in Australia.

Bendigo, where analogue TV has already been switched off, is the areas where the trials are being conducted. Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director of Optus Networks said that Optus would be the first carrier in Australia to test a number of consumer devices that were available commercially on this network. He said: “Optus is using these trials to understand how consumers can maximise the benefits of a modern LTE network.”

Optus said: “This marks the commencement of Optus’ 700MHz LTE trials in Bendigo, Victoria with technology partner Huawei, as it seeks to deliver faster mobile broadband services with superior coverage to existing 4G networks.”

Huawei Australia CTO Peter Rossi added: “This LTE trial is an important step in assessing the performance of next-generation mobile technology in the lead-up to 700MHz spectrum auctions in 2012. Huawei is the world’s leading LTE vendor, with 18 commercial networks deployed globally, and our largest R&D teams dedicated to LTE innovation.”