Samsung brings 4G Galaxy S III to Oz

Samsung has announced the local availability of a 4G version of its flagship Galaxy S III handset as telco Optus cuts the ribbon on its consumer 4G services.

The Galaxy S III 4G is available for pre-order through Samsung’s new Sydney experience centre for $899 outright, as well as through the Optus website.

The handset is offered on a variety of plans ranging from $30 a month with $21 monthly handset repayment, up to $80 a month with a $4 monthly handset fee.

Customers who pre-order the smartphone through Optus’s website by September 17 are expected to receive the handset by September 20.

The Galaxy S III 4G will also be available through Telstra and its 4G network. Telstra is yet to release pricing, stating it will announce plan details in October.

The smartphone comes in 16GB and 32GB configurations. It will be available in black and grey through Telstra and Samsung, and grey only through Optus.

It runs Android’s Jelly Bean OS, with a 4.8in HD display, 8MP back and 1.9MP front cameras, and Samsung’s ‘S Voice’ voice command software.

The arrival of the Galaxy S III 4G marks the fifth 4G smartphone entry into the Australian market, and the first for Optus and its new LTE network. 

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S III was launched globally and in Australia in late May. Samsung in July announced it had sold 10 million handsets globally.

Samsung today declined to comment on whether the Galaxy S III would arrive in Australia in the three new colours announced in the US.

Optus launches consumer 4G network

Optus also today launched its consumer 4G services in Sydney, Perth and Newcastle. The 4G network has been available to Optus' business customers since July.

Consumer 4G services will be available in Melbourne from the end of next week, and services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast will operate from December.

Coverage in Sydney runs from Bondi to Newington east to west, and from La Perouse to Dee Why south to north.

Perth coverage extends from the city’s airport in the east to City Beach in the west, and south to north from Como to Innaloo; while in Newcastle coverage is available across the city as well as Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie.

When Optus’ 4G network comes online in Melbourne, it will run across Blackburn to St Albans, and from Brighton to Fawkner.

“We’re excited about the new opportunities that 4G will provide for Optus customers," Kevin Russell, Optus consumer CEO said in a statement.

"Whether that’s downloading multiple songs at the same time, or uploading videos and photos to social media – customers will love the experience and speed that Optus 4G has to offer."