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Posted by Andrew Tran on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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Network , Updates

Vodafone network services update

Vodafone outlines plans to give customers improved coverage, better reliability and higher speed Vodafone 3G+ and 4G services

  • Vodafone announces imminent completion of $1 billion investment, two-year network roll out
  • Reveals plans for introduction of Vodafone 3G+ (DC – HSPA+) and 4G (LTE)
  • New network designed to ensure reliability

MEDIA RELEASE: Vodafone today revealed the comprehensive network improvement strategy that is being put in place to provide customers with improved mobile coverage, increased data speeds and better network reliability than ever before from Vodafone.

Vodafone today confirmed that it is on schedule to complete its $1 billion investment and two-year roll out of its new mobile network by the end of this year. The soon-to-be completed project gives Vodafone a new network across Australia that will provide customers with better quality coverage and greater reliability thanks to the deployment of the latest, state-of-the-art network equipment and the introduction of new 850MHz 3G network capabilities.

Vodafone customers’ mobile coverage experience will be further enhanced by the recently announced proposal to undertake an expanded network joint venture with Optus, which will provide Vodafone customers with coverage reaching 96% of the Australian population, from as early as April 2013.

Vodafone has already completed its new network roll out in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Canberra. Vodafone reports significant improvements in the performance metrics it uses to assess customers’ call quality and continuity of smartphone, tablet and mobile broadband data sessions in all upgraded states and territories. Vodafone recently commenced its new network roll out in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and will complete the upgrades to all sites on the Eastern Seaboard later this year.

Bill Morrow, Chief Executive at Vodafone Australia, said: “We’re absolutely focussed on delivering improved coverage and better reliability to our customers, with further improvements being built into the network every day. We recognise the consumer trends toward the increasing demand for data and we are now ready to introduce advanced technologies such as Vodafone 3G+ and 4G (LTE). 3G+ will be available from September and 4G (LTE) next year, giving our customers the benefits of even faster data speeds on the Vodafone network.”

The imminent completion of Vodafone’s new network roll out lays the foundation for the introduction of higher speed Vodafone 3G+ (Dual Carrier – High Speed Packet Access+) capabilities later this year and the introduction of 4G (LTE) from next year.

Vodafone plans to start switching on higher speed Vodafone 3G+ (DC – HSPA+) in selected metropolitan areas from September 2012 and begin rolling out 4G (LTE) in selected areas from 2013. Vodafone will confirm the exact timing of its 4G (LTE) roll out, after working through the required tender process and contract negotiations.

Vodafone confirmed that customers’ current mobile phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices will remain compatible with the new, higher speed Vodafone mobile network.

Vodafone added that customers who want to enjoy the benefits of the new, higher speed capabilities that will be introduced with Vodafone 3G+ (DC-HSPA+) and 4G (LTE) may wish to consider upgrading to the latest Vodafone 3G+ and 4G (LTE) compatible smartphones, tablets and mobile broadband devices as they become available, if they are in a Vodafone 3G+ and 4G coverage area.

“Vodafone 3G+ and 4G (LTE) are very exciting technologies that will feature very strongly in our network improvements over the next two years,” explained Bill Morrow. “As we now approach the completion of this phase of our national network roll out, we have mapped out a very clear path for the introduction of higher data speeds and enhanced coverage for the benefit of our smartphone, tablet and mobile broadband customers.”

With the equipment replacement program almost complete, Vodafone is also focusing on adding more capacity to its network with the latest technology in order to support growth in usage and deliver improved speeds.  Between now and the end of 2012, Vodafone plans to install new transmission equipment and upgrade thousands of connections to its base stations to the latest Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which is designed to provide faster data speeds and enable rapid upgrades in capacity as network usage grows.

Vodafone will make further announcements on the next phase of its future network upgrade and investment plans towards the end of 2012. For more information on Vodafone’s current national network upgrades and roll out, please visit: www.vodafone.com.au/network

Ends

About Vodafone Hutchison Australia
Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) operates the Vodafone, 3, and Crazy John’s brands. Formed in June 2009 following a merger between Vodafone Australia and Hutchison 3G Australia, VHA provides mobile services to over 7 million customers in Australia. www.three.com.au & www.vodafone.com.au

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36 Responses to “ Vodafone network services update ”

  1. keith85 says:

    Sweet any word on phones with those capabilities

    Reply
    Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 7:05 pm
    • Andrew Tran says:

      Hi Keith85,

      Not at this point, but stay tuned to the blog as we’ll make future updates on upcoming major device launches.

      Cheers

      AT

      Reply
      Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:29 am
  2. JASON says:

    what kind of LTE has been adopted?LTE FDD or LTE TDD?

    Reply
    Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 9:04 pm
    • Andrew Tran says:

      Hi Jason,

      Great question, we’re just finalising this so we’re not ready to share this just yet, however stay tuned to the blog as we’ll provide updates as we have more information to release.

      Cheers

      AT

      Reply
      Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:58 am
  3. Enguerran says:

    Hi guys,

    That’s a great news!
    Since early this week, I’ve been able to connect using HSPA+ almost every I go around Sydney. Before, I was stuck on HSPA or basic 3G.
    The article does’t really speak about NSW. Has any “switch” been turned on already there?

    Reply
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:05 am
    • Andrew Tran says:

      Hi Enguerran,

      Thanks for your comment and sorry for the late reply. We will be rolling out the new Vodafone 3G+ network progressively from September 2012 to selected metropolitan areas of Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle, Melbourne, Geelong and Mornington Peninsula, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth.

      Whilst some of our sites are already activated with Vodafone 3G+ capability (hence the handset showing H+ on screen), additional improvements on the network are required in order for customers, including yourself, to experience Vodafone 3G+ from September 2012. The new Vodafone 3G+ network will deliver speeds of up to 8x faster than the average download speed of 1 Mbps on our 3G network today. Users can expect download speeds between 1 – 16Mbps on compatible Vodafone 3G+ devices, enjoying a faster mobile data experience than ever before from Vodafone.

      Actual speeds achieved will vary due to factors such as user numbers, local conditions, congestion, hardware, software, download source, general internet traffic and whether users have access to a Vodafone 3G+ enabled site.

      Cheers

      AT

      Reply
      Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 10:23 am
      • James says:

        Interesting admission that the Vodafone average speed is 1mbps. The offshore call centre tell me that speeds this bad are not possible and I must be reading it wrong.

        Reply
        Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 10:29 am
  4. peter baker says:

    what is this 3G+ jibjab?

    do any existing phones support this?

    Reply
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:37 am
    • Andrew Tran says:

      Hi Peter,

      Thanks for the question, if you follow this link below it will feature the current compatible devices for our new network and as we release more devices to our network, we will constantly update this page.

      http://www.vodafone.com.au/aboutvodafone/network/network-devices

      Cheers

      AT

      Reply
      Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:00 am
  5. Andrew Ong says:

    Having had the privilege of trying out Vodafone HSPA+ in NSW, I must say it is a definite improvement in terms of reliability and speeds over HSDPA. Thank you Vodafone for listening to your customers.

    Reply
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:06 am
  6. muz says:

    Hey Andrew,
    As vodafone is waiting for LTE till next yr all new phone handset realesed by vodafone would be all 3g or vodafone iz going to keep going to introduce lte handset

    Reply
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:40 am
    • Andrew Tran says:

      HI Muz,

      Thanks for the comment. What types of devices we will be ranging? When we know more, we’ll definitely post something up on the blog.

      Cheers

      AT

      Reply
      Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 4:45 pm
      • Muzz says:

        What abt new handset expected to come out in September or October like new iPhone windows 8 and Samsung galaxy note 2 all this handsets will hv LTE capability would Vodafone introduce them as 3G or 3G+ handsets like u guys did with galaxy 3

        Reply
        Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 2:10 pm
  7. Duncan says:

    Hopefully country areas will be getting the upgrades as well as city areas. I live in Orange NSW, population of around 40,000, and the coverage that we get within the town is poor. most people that I know who are with vodafone a complaining about the service and reception that we get with smart phones. Bathurst which is only 45 minutes away, has already been upgraded to the new 850mhz network, yet no one can say if this is coming to Orange or not and we are left with poor coverage. The new optus sharing aggreement may help but are we going to be charged roaming fees if we have to use their service just to get 3G coverage.
    If a new LTE service is going to be done make sure it helps all the areas BOTH metropolitan and regional and you will get more customers and will get less customers switching carriers

    Reply
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:25 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Duncan,

      Thanks for posting on the Blog in regards to your query on coverage in Orange.

      At this stage there is only plans for a capacity upgrade to be done by the end of July on the 900Mhz frequency but as the network rollout is still ongoing that may change in the future to include Orange. You can see what’s happening in your area on the postcode checker here.

      If you have any questions or concerns in regards to your coverage the best guys to chat to is our Help and Support team on the Community Forum

      Cheers,
      DA

      Reply
      Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 12:26 pm
  8. rob says:

    wow sounds all good but we in the lockyer valley qld (laidley, gatton, plainland ) still got no 2g or 3g coverage as promised in dec 2011 then mar 2012 then jun 2012 its now late june and still no f***ing coverage. no wonder there is a voda**** site! again “DONT MAKE PROMISES YOU CANT KEEP! ”
    is vodafone going to give a “real” eta this time ??? imminent completion ??? hahaha dont think so!
    regards – rob ( one p***ed off customer )

    Reply
    Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 3:32 am
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi rob,

      If you are having troubles with coverage then that is something we can certainly look into it for you.

      The Help and Support team on the Community Forum can look into the reception aspect and when the upgrades to the area are coming to you.

      Cheers,
      DA

      Reply
      Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 12:35 pm
  9. James says:

    God help us if the rollout has been completed in WA! Looks like Vodafone have no interest in providing proper coverage to outer Perth suburbs ever!

    Reply
    Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 10:28 am
  10. Rhys says:

    When is Mawson Lakes in Adelaide South Australia going to be upgraded properly! Our reception WAS good and now for the last two months has been horrible! It says it has full 3G yet our Internet on my iPad 3rd gen and both our iPhone 4S’ is shocking! Why am I even paying for such a poor poor network when I cannot even use it! It genuinely upsets me and yes I have called Vodaphones network team and complained and complained and explained and explained yet all they can offer is a measly 25% off! I’m fed up and something had better be fixed soon because now it is poor and I mean shockingly poor where as it USED to be good! What the hell happened!? It makes me so angry! I feel I’m never heard I’m my network issues yet you continue to expect us customers to keep up our end of the bargains by paying our bills on time! I’m growing more and more tired! Where are these so called upgrades that your supposedly finished! I certainly do not see it nor does my partner and our Apple devices! Unhappy customer here!

    Reply
    Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 8:29 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Rhys,

      It is definitely important to us that you have a service that is consistent and suitable for you.

      I’ve had a look at our Coverage Checker and can see that you should be getting better coverage than what you’ve described. Our Help and Support staff would be more than happy to help you on our Community Forum, so please feel free to post your concerns there. We would love to help you find a solution.

      Thanks,
      NS

      Reply
      Monday, July 9, 2012 at 10:03 am
  11. chan says:

    I see the wyndham vale shopping centre vic tower has gone up…my home is 100metres from the tower and I still get no reception inside my house, is on? Its been a few weeks I got one sms lettibg me know about the nw updates back then…3G doesnt work outsidr the shopping centre calls work but i can see cell signal dropping down and then back up to full bars again…i guess its not fully operational yet can you please confirm?

    Reply
    Friday, July 13, 2012 at 7:36 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Chan,

      Our help and support team can certainly assist you with your enquiry in Wyndham Vale. The best way for them to assist you with this is for you to jump across to our Vodafone Community and to let the team there know what has been happening.

      I look forward to seeing you over there.

      Cheers MB

      Reply
      Monday, July 16, 2012 at 9:38 am
  12. Sam says:

    I live in Campbelltown NSW 2560. My mobile galaxy s2 and galaxy s3 shows H+(most times)…… but if I do the speed test, it comes out to be worse than when it is in 3G. So my point is that speed test is HIGHER/FASTER in 3G as compared to H+. … it sounds very opposite. Please shed some light on it if you can.

    Reply
    Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Sam,

      I’d love to shed a little more light on this for you.

      So I’m able to do this, post your query in our Community using the link below, and we’ll be able to help you further.

      Community Forum

      Kind Regards,

      JJ

      Reply
      Friday, July 20, 2012 at 9:47 am
  13. Scott B says:

    Do you know when this 3G+ is happening at Brisbane, 4165, as the Vodafone network here is unexceptable with very slow download speeds, worst than dial up speed I had 15-20 years ago.
    I was with 3 broadband for 5/6 yrs with no problems until about 6 weeks ago, and went over to VF(Vodafone) and 3 and VF said it was going to be a lot better than 3,NOT.
    I and a lot of other 3 and VF customers have been getting the run around with the techs saying theres no problems with the network and are all about to go to Telstra for our broadband.

    Reply
    Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 8:30 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Scott,

      At this stage I don’t have any information regarding the location of our 3G+ sites. As soon as we have anything to share, we’ll let you know.

      Our help and support team can take a look in to the coverage issues you’re facing if you’d like? If you’d like them to take a look, post on our Vodafone Community.

      Thanks,
      Sarah.

      Reply
      Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 8:13 am
  14. Anthony says:

    Is there going to be a network update in cabramatta west 2166 anytime soon or if none when will it be?

    Reply
    Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 2:39 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Anthony,

      You can find network updates on our new coverage map here. If you are having issues then we will be happy to assist and the team on the Community can do this for you. Just head over to the Community here and post your question and one of the guys will be happy to help.

      Cheers,
      DA

      Reply
      Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 8:36 am
  15. VODAFONE says:

    Vodafone plans to start switching on higher speed Vodafone 3G+ (DC – HSPA+) in selected metropolitan areas from September 2012 and begin rolling out 4G (LTE) in selected areas from 2013

    YOU VODAFONE NUMBER 9051422013 4G HSPA+ GIVE ME PLS

    Reply
    Monday, October 15, 2012 at 2:45 am
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi there,

      For the latest network news please see:

      If you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage, please post on the Community here: http://community.vodafone.com.au/ and you’ll receive assistance there from another participant, or our help and support staff if needed.

      Thanks,
      MW

      Reply
      Monday, October 22, 2012 at 7:02 am
  16. Geoff Field says:

    I note that my home location in Chelsea Heights (Victoria) is still listed as having “Outdoor and Variable Indoor” quality, with no plans to improve in the next 4 months. We can sit down at our computer workstations at home and have ZERO coverage. It’s not a great user experience.

    Has the Telstra roaming agreement with 3 expired?

    That’s why we tried Vodafone and then switched back to 3: The Vodafone network was even worse – we had trouble getting outdoor coverage.

    Please expedite the Optus roaming agreement. We’re not massively happy with the coverage in our own home now.

    Reply
    Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 3:26 pm
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Geoff,

      Ultimately I want you to be happy with your service and I’ll certainly help you with your current connectivity issues.

      As a 3 customer you’re still able to roam with Telstra and for more details on moving from 3 to Vodafone, please see:

      If you have any further queries, please post in the most suitable category in the Community here:

      Once you’ve done this you’ll receive assistance there from another participant, or our help and support staff if needed. Rest assured, should you need to discuss your account in private, we have an email address available and will issue you with a personal code to use to contact us.

      Cheers,
      MW

      Reply
      Monday, October 29, 2012 at 8:39 am
  17. mrhassell says:

    3G what… 4G now please! You sell 4G handsets but won’t enable 4G or provide the APN settings for customers but your staff can have it? Really.. enough of the jibjab.. 4G now please!

    Reply
    Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 8:12 am
  18. loayl vodafone customer says:

    are you guys aware that your network is down again!!!!!!!

    Reply
    Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 10:39 pm
  19. Firstratedcustomer says:

    I lives in Brisbane south side and In my area its really bad coverage and its really annoying when you are talking important things on call and its disconnect automatically.I had chat with customer service representative about the same problem but m not satisfied with this all this things Why should pay for such worst service.I am planning to quit Vodafone and use and thinking to use other operator service.

    Reply
    Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 1:19 am
    • Vodafone Australia says:

      Hi Firstratedcustomer,

      We’d love the opportunity to have a look at this with you further. Are you able to post in our Vodafone Community with some more details about the problem you’re having? You can find our Community HERE.

      I look forward to hearing from you.

      Jerome

      Reply
      Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 10:24 am