Telstra has unlocked significantly higher speeds on its Next G mobile broadband network. But consumers will have to wait a little longer to take advantage as business and government customers first in line.
The telco has for some time been planning to switch on the higher speeds on its network, which use the so-called dual-channel technology available through the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) specification its network uses.
The network upgrades — in conjunction with one of Telstra’s new Ultimate wireless USB modems - will facilitate theoretical network speeds of up to 42Mbps, although in real-world conditions, the telco today said customers could expect real-world typical speeds of up to 20Mbps. This compares with previous speeds of up to 8Mbps.
So far, Telstra has switched on the upgraded speeds only in selected areas – capital city central business districts, airports and selected other metropolitan hubs and more than 100 regional centres.
Telstra Business group managing director, Deena Shiff, said the high-speed zones covered about 50 per cent of the Australian population. Only business and government customers can buy one of the 2000 Ultimate modems the company has in stock. Wider consumer availability will be unveiled later this year.
The modem can be bought outright for $299, or on a mobile broadband plan. For example, for nothing upfront on a $69 monthly plan over 24 months.
“Australians have been telling us they can’t afford to be tied to the desk all day, and these new speeds mean they can now access mobile broadband at speeds typically reserved for the office,” Shiff said.
“We are delighted to be the first in the world to offer these new blistering speeds on a national network.”
