SingTel's unit in Australia has secured additional spectrum for rolling out fourth-generation (4G) mobile data services Down Under. It paid the total reserve price of A$649 million ($818 million) for rights to use airwaves in the 700 MHz and 2.5 GHz spectrum bands, Optus announced on Tuesday.

Chief executive officer, consumer Australia and chief country officer, Kevin Russell, said the spectrum in the 700 MHz band will allow the mobile operator reach more 4G customers across both metropolitan and regional Australia. The additional spectrum purchased in the 2.5 GHz band combined with its existing 2.3 GHz spectrum will enhance capacity.

"Today's announcement means Optus is well placed to execute a major combined network rollout that will deliver a strong and sustainable business moving forward," said Mr Russell. "We now have the right mix of spectrum and network components to ensure a brilliant customer experience that delivers extensive coverage and super-fast speeds."

In April last year, Optus switched on 4G services in Newcastle and has since rolled out 4G services in the metro and suburban areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour.