Optus has announced plans to roll out 5G technology in 2019.
The fifth generation ‘5G’ in mobile connectivity has long been expected to open up virtual and augmented reality real-time gaming and applications,and to spur on the ‘internet of things’. Optus will now roll out a fixed 5G wireless product in some metro markets,as it continues its move into the mobile product.
The new generation of wireless is also expected to be one of the requirements for self-driving cars and smart homes to take off due to its near-instant speed ability.
There has been speculation over would be the first provider to release 5G to the public,with Telstra also taking steps towards a 5G rollout.
In January,Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn said 2018 would be“a big year for 5G” with both companies undertaking testing of the technology.
It is understood Telstra is also expecting to start rolling out the technology shortly.
Optus has been developing its 5G technology since 2016,later launching 4.5G in 2017.