Optus has unveiled its LTE network in Sydney, Perth and Newcastle, with Melbourne to be covered on 15 September. The Australian operator offers three LTE devices from launch: the Samsung GALAXY S III 4G smartphone, the Optus 4G USB modem and a portable Wi-Fi modem. The Samsung GALAXY S III 4G is available on AU$60 or AU$80 monthly price plans.
A new era of competition in Australian telecommunications begins today as Optus launches its 4G network for Australian consumers in Sydney, Perth and Newcastle with 4G services to follow in Melbourne from 15th September, 2012.

Kevin Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Australia said, "Optus is launching 4G services with significant coverage across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Newcastle and this marks the beginning of Optus' national 4G network rollout".

"We're excited about the new opportunities that 4G will provide for Optus customers. Whether that's downloading multiple songs at the same time, or uploading videos and photos to social media – customers will love the experience and speed that Optus 4G has to offer."

To coincide with the launch of its 4G network in Sydney, Perth and Newcastle and the rollout of Optus 4G in Melbourne on 15th September, Optus will be the first carrier in Australia to launch Samsung's most powerful 4G smartphone to its customers.
The Samsung GALAXY S III 4G will be available for pre order from today at www.optus.com.au/4gsamsung.
Optus has launched with a significant 4G network footprint in:

• Sydney: Optus 4G coverage stretches from Bondi in the East to Newington in the West and from La Perouse in the South to Dee Why in the North.
• Perth: Optus 4G coverage stretches from Perth Airport in the East to City Beach in the West and from Como in the South to Innaloo in the North.
• Newcastle: Optus 4G coverage is available across Newcastle, as well as in Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas.
• Melbourne: From September 15th 2012 Optus 4G coverage in Melbourne will stretch from Blackburn in the East to St Albans in the West and from Brighton in the South to Fawkner in the North.

Optus' 4G launch builds on its recent 3G network enhancement project that has resulted in stronger 3G performance for Optus mobile customers across regional centres and major capital cities.

“In addition to today’s launch of the Samsung GALAXY S III 4G, Optus customers can also purchase the Optus 4G USB modem or portable Wi-Fi modem, so they can enjoy fast download speeds in our 4G coverage areas.

“With a great line up of 4G devices now on offer, Australians now have a choice in competitive 4G products and services,” Mr Russell said.

To coincide with the launch of its 4G network for Australian consumers, Optus is bringing four of the fastest people in the world to Australia to showcase to the nation all the great things you can do faster with 4G. The Optus 'Fast Four' hold long standing Guinness World Record titles for being the fastest in their area of expertise including rapping, texting, talking and reading.

4G plans and pricing

About Samsung GALAXY S III 4G

The Samsung GALAXY S III 4G handset presents Australians with the first Samsung 4G phone to feature a quad core processor. The device’s 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display brilliantly depicts moments captured by the 8MP camera and a 1.9MP front camera. Offering a variety of intelligent camera features as well as face recognition options, it can give you the best shot in a sequence of captures. Packed with intuitive technology and powered by Android™ operating system, Jelly Bean, the GALAXY S III 4G delivers a uniquely personalised mobile experience that refuses to be compromised.
For further information on the benefits of 4G visit www.optus.com.au/4g.