Optus to build LTE testing facilities, completes Vividwireless acquisition

Optus will build LTE testing facilities in St Marys and Macquarie Park ahead of its nationwide 4G network rollout in 2013.

The telco also announced it has completed its acquisition of Vividwireless Group from Seven Group Holdings (SGH) in a deal worth $230 million. Through the purchase, Optus has gained access to part of the 2.3GHz spectrum band across selected areas.

These two new facilities will focus on TD-LTE though Optus is rolling out its 4G network using the more mainstream FD-LTE technology by refarming the 1800MHz spectrum.

Vividwireless’ 4G network uses TD-LTE and will be integrated with Optus’ network.

Optus launched the first part of its LTE network in Newcastle earlier this year.