By Alesha Capone
Eligible residents and businesses in Wyndham Vale, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Footscray and Maidstone can now access 5G technology through Optus.
The next-generation of mobile network technology, the high-speed 5G wireless network can process more data than the 4G network.
Head of Optus 5G, Harvey Wright, said that it was important for the company to “provide access to our 5G network in areas where people need it most”.
“We have a good customer base in Wyndham Vale already and felt that consumers in this area would benefit from the high bandwidth and fast speeds that Optus 5G is able to deliver,” he said.
Mr Wright said \demand for 5G has increased during coronavirus pandemic.
“We are unable to break down sales figures by region but have seen strong growth in our 5G Home product over the last couple of months, with consumers looking for a fast and reliable internet solution that meets the changing needs of their home internet usage,” he said.
Other areas in Victoria which will are among the first to connect to the Optus 5G network include Greenvale, Reservoir, Kensington, Geelong West, Norlane, Rye Central and Campbellfield South.
In January, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy issued a statement which said that 5G technology is safe.
“There is no evidence telecommunication technologies, such as 5G, cause adverse health impacts,” he said.
“This position is supported by health authorities in Australia – such as the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – and around the world, such as the World Health Organization (WHO).”
To be eligible to connect to 5G, you will need to have a phone capable of connecting to 5G; be connected to a mobile network that offers 5G; and be in an area where 5G has been rolled out.
