Australian telecom network operator Optus has selected Gilat’s CellEdge SDR small-cell-over-satellite solution to extend 3G coverage to regional and remote areas.
Gilat’s CellEdge SDR (Software Defined Radio) will support Optus to extend its 3G mobile network areas along some of the major highways of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
“Gilat’s small-cell-over-satellite solution enables us to provide mobile connectivity to unserved and underserved areas,” said Paul Sheridan, vice president, Optus Satellite. “It is an innovative and cost effective solution to address our requirements for delivering a high quality user experience, under challenging environmental conditions in regional Australia.”
Gilat’s integrated solution combines small cell and VSAT functionality, and allows cost effective and fast deployment of cellular coverage.
“Gilat’s solution will enable Optus to expand mobile services quickly and affordably,” said Oded Sheshinski, RVP Asia-Pacific at Gilat.
Optus investments
Optus earlier said its EBITDA grew 0.7 percent to A$645 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2016, despite a 13 percent decline in operating revenue. EBITDA growth was affected by device repayment plan service credits.
Optus said demand for 4G services grew strongly, with 1.2 million customers joining 4G network over the last 12 months. Optus added 257,000 4G customers during the quarter, reaching a total of 4.93 million 4G customers at the end of June. 4G Plus customers account for 53 percent of Optus’ total mobile customer base.
Optus now has 136,000 NBN Broadband customers, up from 54,000 customers a year ago. Optus has a total of 1.08 million broadband customers.
Allen Lew, chief executive officer at Optus, earlier said that Optus’ 4G Plus network is available at 5,155 regional and metropolitan sites, and reached 95 percent of Australians at the end of July. Optus also began the roll out of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology.
