003/07 30 January 2007

Minister welcomes national 3G network investment 

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today welcomed the announcement by Optus that it would invest up to $800 million to boost the capabilities of its 3G mobile communications network.

“This is great news for Australian consumers – particularly those in rural, regional and remote areas – who will soon reap the benefits of a more competitive 3G market,” Senator Coonan said.

“Next generation networks enable consumers to access advanced voice and data services that can support innovative applications such as wireless broadband and video phone services. Increasingly savvy consumers are demanding the always-on, anywhere freedom that next generation networks offer.”

Optus states the investment announced today will extend the coverage of its 3G network from 55 per cent of the population to 96 per cent with services expected to commence early next year.

“Coupled with Telstra’s recently launched Next G network, Vodafone and Australian 3G pioneers ‘3’, consumers will now have more choice of provider which leads to greater competition and ultimately lower prices for Australians,” Senator Coonan said.

“I am particularly pleased that Optus has indicated it will give other competitors access to its 3G network which can only further boost competition for the benefit of consumers.

“Encouraging investment and competition is at the heart of the Government’s approach to communications in Australia as it will deliver more choice and lower prices for consumers.

“And where the competitive market needs encouragement, the Government offers targeted assistance through the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package. Connect Australia is the single largest investment in telecommunications services in this country and will improve broadband speeds and rollout, deliver better mobile phone coverage and help connect our schools, hospitals and universities to the communications services they need.

“Over the coming months I will be considering applications for up to $600 million under the $878 million Broadband Connect element of Connect Australia.

“This is big picture thinking for broadband in this country which will as an incentive for large scale investment in much needed broadband infrastructure in rural, regional and remote Australia.

“The Government will continue to look after the communications needs of this country both now and into the future.”