Optus is organizing to reallocate 2100 MHz spectrum at the moment utilised for 3G providers to its 4G and 5G networks in April next yr.
It implies the telco will no extended present a dual-band 3G network after April 2022, with 3G providers to be available as a result of its 900 MHz spectrum only.
Optus claimed some of the 2100 MHz property would be reallocated as component of a network technologies refresh to present better 4G network coverage and support the progress of 5G.
It has urged shoppers with a 2100 MHz-only 3G device to enhance to a 4G or 5G able device to continue to obtain its network.
Optus Wholesale service provider shoppers working with the 2100 MHz network will also be afflicted, the telco claimed.
Telstra switched off its 2100 MHz spectrum in March 2019, when Vodafone has phased 3G connectivity on its 2100 MHz spectrum.
Optus networks managing director Lambo Kanagaratnam claimed the prepared refresh will come as shoppers significantly undertake 5G units.
“In the very last 12 months we have seriously witnessed our shoppers embrace 5G technologies with just take up of 5G enabled units increasing significantly,” he claimed in a statement.
Kanagaratnam claimed that with info usage continuing to raise, the reallocation would assure “spectrum property are functioning effectively for customers”.
“We know that our shoppers are working with additional info than at any time. They are downloading, sharing and streaming articles, working with applications and connecting with friends and colleagues almost,” he claimed.
“In order to support this thirst for connectivity it’s crucial that we evolve our network and redeploying our 2100MHz spectrum property to better accommodate next era systems is an significant phase in accomplishing this.”
Optus is organizing to call shoppers impacted by the prepared shutdown of its 3G network on the 2100 MHz spectrum about the coming months.
“Importantly we are furnishing 12 months’ detect to assure afflicted shoppers are knowledgeable of our plans and have sufficient time to enhance to more recent units that can support 4G or 5G,” Kanagaratnam additional.