Media Release

Government welcomes Vodafone 4G investment

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, welcomed today's announcement that Vodafone is rolling out its new 4G network and expanding its 3G network.

"The Government welcomes Vodafone's enhancements to the capacity and reliability of its existing network, as well as the investment in its new 4G network," Senator Conroy said.

"We are seeing extraordinary growth in demand for mobile broadband capacity. Australians are increasingly using smartphones, tablets and other portable devices. Deployment of 4G mobile networks will ensure consumers and businesses get the improved services they need."

"It's also increasingly clear that as more Australians use portable devices to access more data, there is an increasing need to offload the data to a fixed-line network as quickly as possible. That's why Vodafone's announcement complements the Gillard Government's investment in the National Broadband Network.

"As the demand on mobile networks increases, so does the need for the NBN's high-speed fixed-line broadband to deliver the increased data capacity required.

"Vodafone's investment is good news for Australian consumers, providing greater choice for mobile services that best suit their needs.

"Vodafone's commitment to its 3G+ and new 4G network is a significant use of the spectrum it is seeking to renew under the 15 year spectrum licence process. The investment demonstrates the public benefit achieved for mobile users and the Australian mobile industry through this process," Senator Conroy said.

"All three mobile carriers in Australia have now outlined their plans for the deployment of next-generation 4G networks. The future of the Australian mobile market is bright."

Date: 27 June 2012
Contact: Adam Sims 0408 258 457