Vodafone continues 4G rollout in Queensland
Metropolitan and regional Queensland to benefit from L850 re-farm
Vodafone today announced it has successfully completed the re-farming of its 850Mhz spectrum to provide extra 4G coverage and capacity throughout Queensland. This will enhance both its network and the mobile experience of customers.
Low-band spectrum, such as L850, provides high quality indoor mobile coverage as the lower frequency signal penetrates buildings more effectively than higher frequency signals. This complements the 4G coverage already provided through Vodafone’s 1800MHz spectrum, offering 4G coverage in more places in Queensland.
With the activation of 235 sites, more Queensland mobile traffic than ever will now operate on the telco’s 4G network and Vodafone customers using a compatible device in cities and towns including Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Townsville and Airlie Beach are now able to access 4G for the first time.
Vodafone Chief Technology Officer, Benoit Hanssen, said the upgrade was great news for Vodafone customers in Queensland.
“L850 will offer a variety of potential improvements including faster streaming speeds, greater network stability and, for some customers, 4G access for the first time”, said Mr Hanssen.
“Most of our customers in Queensland are already using L850 compatible devices so they will notice an enhanced experience immediately, without having to do a thing.”
“We have made a multibillion dollar investment in our network in recent years, and this is yet another enhancement.”
Vodafone has over 2.9 million 4G capable devices operating on its network and continues to see increases in mobile phone usage all over Australia.
“Queensland mobile data consumption on the Vodafone network has increased by over 50 per cent since December 2014 and we expect to see that trend continue with more customers now able to access 4G speeds,” said Mr Hanssen.
“The advent of streaming services combined with state-of-the-art smartphones with beautiful big displays has changed the way Australians use their mobile devices and we want to accommodate this.”
Vodafone’s 4G network now covers 96.9 per cent of Australia’s metropolitan population and the telco remains committed to improving coverage all over the country.
-ends-
Notes to editors:
4G available with a 4G device and an active prepaid recharge or plan with Vodafone Alerts. 4G in selected cities in Australia. See vodafone.com.au/coverage