Unwired returns as Vividwireless on Optus 4G LTE

Australian wireless broadband company Unwired has returned as Vividwireless, offering an $89 unlimited monthly plan on the Optus 4G LTE network.

The brand launched nationally today, labelling the unlimited plan as the best wireless broadband deal in the country, while also offering 10GB for $29 and 40GB for $59 monthly plans.

All services have speed capped at 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload.

Vividwireless general manager Claude Brown told media at the launch that the service is currently only offered in metropolitan areas in state capitals and warned potential customers to check coverage for their address online before signing up.

The Huawei-manufactured Vividwireless home gateway will be sold 'ready to plug in' with a pre-installed SIM through exclusive resellers The Good Guys and Harvey Norman. The device retails for $199 on a month-to-month agreement, or for free online if a 24-month contract is signed.

The Vividwireless brand has been active since 2010 in the Western Australian market as a broadband provider based on WiMax technology. However, the company is using its new 4G LTE capability for a national comeback.

"We are well-known in the west but now want to spread our name on the east coast," Brown said. "But when we mention 'Unwired' in Sydney, people recognise [us]."

Unwired was an Australian wireless broadband provider that had a spectacular rise in the 2000s before competition from improved ADSL technologies contributed to its demise.

"I remember we floated then the share price halved in the first month," said Brown, who has been with the company since the Unwired era. "A lot of staff still work with us from the Unwired days."

Brown said that Vividwireless, using Optus' extensive mobile network, is in a different situation to Unwired, which built its own network infrastructure.

The Seven Network completely bought out Unwired in 2008 before Optus took ownership for $230 million in 2012 - shutting down the brand but acquiring the rights to the valuable 2.3GHz and 3.5GHz mobile spectrum for 4G LTE services.