Part of the expansion will include some services running on the 700MHz electronic spectrum bought from the federal government for $2 billion in 2013.

To slightly confuse customers, Telstra is calling the new spectrum 4GX while Optus simply refers to it as 4G.

Either way the rollout planned for this year will bring faster mobile internet services to those areas currently serviced by 3G networks.

So from Friday, Telstra customers with a 4G-compatible device in Port Kembla can access the network.

Further south, Mollymook, Mollymook Beach and Shoalhaven Heads also had their Telstra 4GX network switched on on Friday.

More suburbs in the Illawarra will get access through the first half of the year.

Meanwhile, Optus customers in  Unanderra, Dapto and Primbee will also get access to the new 4G spectrum this month.

Over the next three months, the Optus rollout is expected to see  Bellambi, East Corrimal, Port Kembla, Kanahooka and Albion Park get access to the 4G network.

By the middle of the year, it will include Helensburgh through to Austinmer and Kiama through to Berry.

The new 4G spectrum does offer faster services, but Telstra Group managing director of networks Mike Wright said the rollout would also benefit those in areas where 4G was already in operation.

‘‘What we have seen from the early rollout of 4GX is that around 20 to 30 per cent of 4G traffic in a 4GX area seamlessly moves to the new 4GX service, offering customers with 4GX compatible devices typical download speeds never before seen in Australia,” Mr Wright said.

“But it also has wider network benefits, with traditional 4G services freed up to also help manage the ever growing demand for data.

‘‘This means our customers can enjoy more of what they love – be it video, social media or the internet – in more places, with less buffering.’’

Also, those without a 4G device in these areas could also experience a better 3G service as customers moved to the new network.