Optus launches 3G in time for pre-Christmas mobile rush

Australia's number two telco Optus will roll out its third generation (3G) high speed mobile phone service over the next two weeks in time for the Christmas rush.

Optus will offer five new handsets and high speed access that is up to nine times faster that its current standard GSM mobile network offering.

Optus consumer managing director Allen Lew said the telco was confident the new applications would lead to greater customer take-up and increased mobile revenue.

"We are confident these applications will deliver simple, and easy to use, mobile services," he said.

The 3G deals include four capped plans, ranging from A$49 ($52.78) to A$89 a month.

The plans of rival Vodafone Australia cost between A$49 and A$149, not dissimilar to the 3G prices charged by Telstra and Hutchison Telecommunications.

Optus is the last of Australia's four big mobile service providers to launch 3G services.

The telco now believes it is well placed for the traditionally lucrative pre-Christmas period, which is set to be hotly contested as the Australian market reaches saturation.

The telcos are scrambling to hold onto customers as it is believed that nine out of every 10 Australians own a mobile phone.

Optus said its new 3G service will include live television from SBS, ABC and CNN, as well as access to 7500 music titles that can be downloaded directly to a handset.

Vodafone partnered with Optus in November last year to establish a A$700 million alliance to develop and operate a national 3G network.

Telstra and Hutchison also aligned for a A$450 million network sharing deal.

- AAP