Optus has been working since September to upgrade its 3G mobile network to the superfast 4G standard, which allows users to access average download speeds of between 2Mbps and 40Mbps (up to five times the speed of the Optus 3G network) and peak download speeds of 60Mbps on mobile phones and tablet devices.
Optus plans to launch its 4G network to all customers in 2013, but today started to sell mobile broadband dongles - designed mainly for notebooks and laptops - and pocket-Wi-Fi modems to business customers in Newcastle, Sydney and Perth.
Optus networks boss Gunther Ottendorfer said: "Building on our first 4G (trial) services in Newcastle earlier this year, business customers in Sydney and Perth can now get faster speeds, greater capacity and quicker response times on their 4G mobile broadband services - ahead of our wider consumer 4G launch.
"Australian businesses want fast, reliable mobile broadband that lets them work flexibly, enabling new and exciting ways to interact and transact with their customers. Our investment in next-generation 4G mobile technology provides businesses with the choice of faster speeds over 4G, now backed by a stronger 3G network."
The launch of 4G services for business customers comes following the Optus trial with enterprise, consumer and government subscribers in Newcastle in April.
Optus is yet to launch handsets on the new 4G network, but business customers who choose to take up the service will be able to use a USB dongle or a 4G mobile Wi-Fi modem. Both are available with 10GB of data for $40 a month.
A wider commercial launch of Optus's 4G services, including services for consumers, will be available in coming weeks.
The launch of Optus's commercial 4G service severely lags Telstra's, which has operated since last year.
Telstra has more than 300,000 devices, including 70,000 smartphones, connected to its super-fast mobile network. But despite giving the telco giant a head start in the race to sign up 4G customers, Mr Ottendorfer said Optus was not concerned. He said Optus did not want to rush into 4G services until the "ecosystem" of available devices was ready.
Optus also revealed that it has upgraded about 70 per cent of its 3G network to "3G Plus", also known as High Speed Packet Access Plus, a mobile technology that improves customers' mobile reception, coverage and data download speeds in dense metropolitan areas and inside buildings.
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