Optus launches their 4G LTE network in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle – Melbourne on September 15th

After Telstra has held the title of the 4G king for a good half a year, Optus is now bursting onto the scene, and in style. After the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S III 4G for Optus earlier today, I know that you’re all wondering where is going to get 4G LTE from Optus first. Well apparently, “select areas” of Sydney, Perth and Newcastle already do (assuming you happen to be one of those rare people that bought a 4G phone outright and put it an Optus sim-card). Melbournites shouldn’t feel too left out though, as 4G LTE will be activated in Melbourne from the 15th of September.

Unfortunately a quick glance at their coverage map will show that the coverage is significantly restricted to the inner suburbs of Sydney and Perth (although oddly comprehensive around Newcastle and the Central Coast, including several outlying townships), as is the area of planned coverage for Melbourne. Also, I was unable to find anywhere marked for “future 4G” coverage in other major cities, so we’ll just have to cross our fingers that the roll-out of 4G to the rest of the country is not too drawn out.

Regardless, it’s great news to see Australia get its second 4G network and give those of us who crave fast mobile internet a second choice. It also gives those people who can’t get wired internet a different option for accessing the internet than living with slow 3G speeds or lugging their laptop down to Starbucks.

Editor’s note: Select providers who use Optus’ network will be receiving the 4G network too. We’re not sure how long it will take, however, Virgin Mobile has confirmed to us that they will be getting the network. From the sounds of things it doesn’t appear to be too far away.

Source: Optus