Vodafone Hutchison Australia have switched on their first 5G sites in Sydney’s Parramatta, with plans to introduce 5G international roaming in the coming months.
Vodafone chief executive officer Iñaki Berroeta said 2020 is the year of 5G and Vodafone customers will soon be able to use the 5G network both in Australia and in selected international countries.
“This is an exciting occasion for us as a business and for our customers – we have worked tirelessly to put our customers at the heart of our 5G plans and we are proud to switch on our first live sites in Parramatta,” he said.
Vodafone $5 Roaming will also soon extend to 5G.
Vodafone customers with their $5 Roaming product travelling to a few of Australia’s favourite international travel destinations will soon be able to enjoy 5G while they’re away. The telco is planning to launch initially to five countries – the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany and Ireland – with more destinations to be added over time.
“In the coming months, we will be leading international roaming into the next generation of mobile technology by combining the great value of our $5 Roaming product with a 5G network experience in five of Australia’s favourite travel destinations,” he said.
Keeping customers front of mind, Vodafone will offer access to 5G across its range of current and existing post-paid and prepaid mobile plans for no additional charge.
Mr Berroeta said the telco believes Australians should be able to enjoy the benefits of 5G when it becomes available to them, not worry about paying additional costs to simply access it.
“When 5G arrives to our customers with 5G devices, they will get 5G network access at no extra charge,” he said.
“Throughout 2020 our customers will see us deliver 5G coverage to more areas; with more 5G devices to choose from; while delivering the great value that Vodafone is known for. We have more than 650 5G sites in planning, with thousands more on our roadmap over coming years.”
Vodafone’s 5G services will be progressively rolled out to parts of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. The first phase of the roll-out will be made up of more than 650 sites, which are currently being planned. Sites will go live progressively from mid-2020. As the roll-out continues, more and more 5G sites will go live each year in these areas.
For more details on Vodafone 5G, visit www.vodafone.com.au/5G.