SYDNEY – Optus has launched a service delivering NBN access by mobile phone technology – but before grabbing your mobile to sign up, be warned: delivery speeds are much, much slower than most terrestrial versions of the NBN.
The Home Wireless Broadband service is said to be available in “selected areas covered by the Optus 4G network”.
But Optus notes that in metropolitan areas where there is 2300MHz coverage at the nominated address, wholesale customers can expect download and upload speeds of only up to 12/1Mbps. If 2300MHz coverage is not available, it offers download and upload speeds of “up to” 5Mbps up and 1Mbps down.
It adds that the service is an alternative to fixed broadband, “so our wholesale partners are now able to offer a solution for people living in areas where NBN has not yet been rolled out, or for people that like a plug-and-play option for their home Internet service.”
Exetel is the first partner company to sign up for the service. “We’re excited about the market opportunity of the Exetel Home Wireless Broadband product,” said CEO Richard Purdy. “Our customers are always looking for choice in Internet connectivity, and this product will complement our existing product offers in-market.”
