Today’s big telecoms news is that Optus has announced it’s buying Vivid Wireless for $230 million, with the intent to use Vivid’s existing spectrum to boost its 4G network using LTE-TDD.
The highlights of the full statement released by Optus reads as follows:
Giz Au Editor’s Comment: There’s a lot to take in here — including the not-so-subtle jab at Telstra’s not-quite 4G speeds, the fact that Optus’ new network may be compatible with overseas LTE devices (including possibly the rumoured LTE iPad 3) and for that matter what’ll happen to Vivid’s existing wireless plans and customers. I’m waiting to hear back from Optus on where it now sits in the 4G space, and will update as soon as I hear back.
Optus today announced that it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Vividwireless Group Limited (which operates under the vividwireless and unwired brands) from Seven Group Holdings (SGH), for an expected cash consideration of A$230 million.
– Through the acquisition, Optus will also gain access to up to 98MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz band, a band already used by some of the world’s leading operators to provide 4G services.
– Optus plans to use this spectrum to build a new 4G network using LTE-TDD technology.
– This new network will deliver wireless broadband to households and businesses in metropolitan Australia with typical download speeds ranging from 25Mbps to 87Mbps – twice as fast as existing competitive 4G services. It will be integrated with Optus’ 1800MHz 4G network, which will be launched in Newcastle and the Hunter region of New South Wales in April 2012.