Optus has kicked off its consumer 4G network over the week, launching the service in the nation’s capital.

Canberra is now the first Australian city on Optus’ new 4G TD-LTE network, and covers 13 sites across the city with the company set to progressively expand its service to 50 sites across the city.

The first 4G Dual band compatible devices – the Optus 4G Dual band USB dongle and WiFi modem – are now available in Optus stores, online and through telesales.

“Some of our customers have been trialling Optus 4G in Canberra in the past month, and we’ve seen the new network deliver a great 4G experience,” said Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director of Optus Networks.

“As part of Optus’ ongoing network rollout, we are aiming to expand coverage of our integrated 4G network to 70 per cent of Australia’s metro population by mid-2014. Many of our mobile sites will be upgraded to support Optus 4G Dual band compatible devices so our customers can browse, download and stream on Optus’ superfast 4G network in more places than ever before.”