Optus claims a world record in 2.3 gigabits per second Gigasite tests as a key executive stands down

Optus has announced it is trialling Gigasite mobile technology with throughput speeds of up to 2.3 gigabytes per second, which the carrier is hailing as world first, as a key executive stands aside from the telecommunications giant.

The tests are being run from a mobile phone tower at St Marys in Sydney’s western suburbs, as well as a second tower at Lambton in Newcastle.

The two live network test sites, built with custom equipment from Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) and Huawei, is measuring the total throughput capacity of Optus’ bandwidth when used for 4G communications.

The Optus Gigasites have achieved a number of world firsts, including the highest total throughput capacity achieved on a live network site (1.65 to 2.32 Gbps) and the most spectrum ever on a live network site (a total of 286.8 MHz, across seven spectrum bands).

The carrier also claims the mobile towers have the largest number of 4G/LTE layers on a single site (five) and eight technology/band combinations.

Upon first releasing Gigasite network equipment in September 2011, Huawei issued a statement explaining how the technology uses multiple bands to achieve higher throughput speeds.

“Huawei’s GigaSite utilizes future-oriented technologies to realize higher spectrum efficiency and increased throughput and peak speeds. The GigaSite supports multi-band, multi-mode and multi-sector for increased total capacity.

“The power amplifiers offer the highest power output possible for the smallest possible volume. GigaSites also offers simplified site management and a reduction in the total cost of ownership.”

In a statement, Optus’ vice president of mobile engineering, Andrew Smith, explains the tests involved 16 test drive vehicles, 21 engineers, 58 test devices (including smartphones and dongles) and 31 laptops.

“Our Gigasite project is about demonstrating our network of the future, and how Optus will be able to provide our customers with unparalleled capacity to meet their ever increasing appetite for data, and deliver a faster, more consistent network experience.

“Optus’ market-leading metro spectrum assets mean that we have the capacity to provide exceptional customer experience to our mobile data customers, even under extremely heavy network loads.

“The trial was conducted on our live network, not in lab conditions – but with real devices, out in the field.

“As 4G continues to evolve, being able to optimally leverage a multi-band network strategy is increasingly important. Optus, in partnership with our vendors, expects to lead the world in its ability to plan, design, optimise and manage mobile network data traffic across multiple spectrum layers.”

Meanwhile, Optus has announced its Australian consumer chief, Kevin Russell, is leaving the company, with Australian chief Paul O’Sullivan filling the role until a replacement is found.

In a statement, Optus vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs, David Epstein, praises Russell for service.

“Kevin joined Optus just over two years ago and has provided strong leadership in repositioning the company. Several months ago Kevin told me that he wished to move on to other challenges on completion of this phase, after ensuring an orderly transition that embeds the strategic transformation he has led.”