AC800S 'Optus' - Cat 9 vs Cat 11?

Hi All,

 

Long time reader - first time poster!

Just had a query regarding the AC800s - Optus (Aus)

 

Background:

I have a new Optus tower in my area and I want to update my 4G device to make the most of the network performance.

I currently use a Huawei E8372. It's ancient and basic Cat 4 can only manage 30-40mbits down (20meg, band 40 (no ag)

With the same sim in my iPhone 8 (Cat 12) I manage in excess of 300mbits/50mbits from the exact same location.

 

On the Optus website, the device is listed as CAT 11

https://www.optus.com.au/shop/broadband/mobile-broadband/netgear-ac800s

On the Netgear website, and from all product infomation and reviews etc. etc. I can find, the device is CAT 9
https://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/mobile-broadband/hotspots/AC800S.aspx 

 

Perplexed by this, I contacted Optus Support who could only tell me "it's CAT 11" - knew nothing about when it changed, or whats different etc. and couldn't provide any more substance.
Called the local store and they were also none the wiser.

I know the AC810s is Cat 11(Telstra) but has different bands supported.

 

1. Can any NETGEAR gurus confirm whether the AC800s is CAT 9 or CAT 11?
2. Was there a hardware change (ie. need recent unit for CAT 11) or an older devices be updated with firmware?
3. Longshot - but if there is anyone on Optus with an iPhone 8 and AC800s, can you compare performance?
If so - is yours a 'cat 9' or 'cat 11'
Ideally, I would like to achieve very similar speeds as I can get indoor with my iPhone, but hoping for some real world performance comparisons.

 

Thanks for your time!