Singtel's Optus acquires new 900 MHz spectrum for Australia 5G roll-out for A$1.48b

SINGTEL'S Z74 wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus has acquired spectrum licences in the 900 megahertz (MHz) spectrum band in Australia to boost its 5G coverage, for a total of A$1.48 billion (S$1.44 billion).

Awarded by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the licences for the 2 25 MHz across Australia will help deliver "a significant uplift in 5G coverage nation-wide", Optus said on Wednesday (Dec 8).

The 900 MHz spectrum is known as the low band and carries mobile signals for 4G and 5G technologies further than higher bands, so fewer base stations are needed to service a broad area.

Optus noted that the band is "particularly important" in regional areas, since it lowers infrastructure investment and provides superior in-building coverage as it can penetrate deeper than mid and high band spectrums.

The spectrum licences have been awarded for a 20-year term beginning on Jul 1, 2024, although the company expects earlier access.

Optus chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said the 900 MHz spectrum is the company's foundational layer in its network.

"With this additional spectrum, and our existing mid and high band spectrum, we can continue to deliver great coverage and bring the benefits of our technology leadership to more Australians," she said.

Shares of Singtel closed at S$2.45 on Wednesday, up by S$0.03 or 1.24 per cent.

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