4G DATA, MAJOR METRO AREAS
Optus
Telstra
Vodafone
97.9/98.7
99.4/99.8
96.7/98.9
5.1/1.6
3.6/1.0
4.6/1.2
(%)
99.6
99.9
96.1
Session duration
(seconds)
3.8
2.3
2.9
90% faster than:
(kbps)
3226.2
6071.8
4368.2
(%)
99.9
99.9
97.5
Session duration
(seconds)
3.6
1.7
3.1
90% faster than:
(kbps)
959.4
3010.1
1359.6
Average throughput
(kbps)
20255.5
23982.1
20419.9
90% faster than
(kbps)
3274.1
5656.4
3971.7
Average throughput
(kbps)
11473.8
16456.8
14998.3
90% faster than
(kbps)
934.2
3725.4
1493.8
Success ratio
(%)
97.1
99.9
73.5
Start-up time
(seconds)
1.6
0.9
1.8
(%)
96.8
99.9
72.9
Success ratio
(%)
94.0
98.7
77.0
Start-up time
(seconds)
2.1
1.4
2.2
(%)
92.5
97.4
74.1
Web page access (live/reference) Success ratio Session duration
(%/%) (seconds/seconds)
File download (3MB) Success ratio
File upload (1MB) Success ratio
File download (peak testing)
File upload (peak testing)
YouTube (SD)
Sam ples wit hout int errupt ion YouTube (HD)
Sam ples wit hout int errupt ion
Optus’ current lack of FDLTE coverage in Canberra did put it at a slight disadvantage there, with the 4G-preferred test handsets reverting to 3G in the area. Vodafone, which currently has a spectrum advantage in some cities, clocked up some very impressive throughput speeds in several categories – outstripping Optus and closing in on Telstra. However, its success ratios were lower in a number of cases, affecting its final test results. 4G in small cities and towns Here, Telstra again took the lead, but with Optus and Vodafone not too far behind and fighting hard for second place. Again, Vodafone’s relatively young LTE network showed off its capabili-
ties, hitting higher throughput numbers than Optus in a number of categories and ultimately giving it the edge. Optus, though, won back some ground with better success ratios – though still below Telstra, which demonstrated both blazingly fast speeds and very high reliability throughout smaller cities and towns. 4G on the highways Just over a year from a June 2013 LTE launch that targeted the state capitals, Vodafone nevertheless put in a very strong 4G performance outside urban areas on the connecting roads and highways. While Telstra narrowly claimed the top spot overall, Vodafone was right behind and indeed led the field on some key 15
metrics – such as the time to transfer small files, and HD YouTube performance. Optus, while trailing its rivals by a short distance, still scored solidly in this category. Conclusions: 4G Overall, Telstra held the top spot across all three geotypes for 4G; indeed, its LTE scores in major metro areas and smaller cities were close to the maxima. A potent combination of reliable data connections and fast download and upload speeds kept it ahead of the 4G pack. But Optus and Vodafone scored highly in many categories too and, depending on the outcome of current investment strategies, may have the opportunity