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Telstra 5G network ahead of schedule, first 5G mobile broadband device launched

Written by Michelle Lewis | May 26, 2020 2:00:00 AM

Telstra is months ahead of its scheduled 5G rollout, with 47 cities now able to access the network. Aligned with its expanded reach, the carrier has also launched its first 5G mobile broadband device - the Telstra WiFi Pro.

Several months ago as the country entered the pandemic lockdown, Telstra announced it would push harder and faster, and invest more in its 5G rollout in a bid to stimulate the economy. The carrier has been true to its word, and has announced that it is now months ahead of schedule.

Now available to 8 million Australians

Originally aiming to reach around 35 cities by the end of June 20, the network is now available in 47 cities. Within these, an estimated 700 plus suburbs now have more than 50% of 5G coverage — in fact, some suburbs have 100% coverage, says Telstra Executive Network Engineering, Channa Seneviratne. Telstra has updated its coverage maps to reflect the increased reach of its 5G network. 

“It’s almost a year since we launched our commercial 5G network and we have managed to track ahead of our expectations, we have expanded the population footprint from 4 million potential customers to 8 million.

"Around 660 terabytes have already been downloaded over 5G on compatible devices. That’s equivalent to around 1 million standard-definition movies!"

First 5G WiFi Pro mobile broadband device launched

Aligned with the expanded 5G coverage, Telstra has launched its first 5G mobile broadband device - the Telstra 5G WiFi Pro. 

The device offers a 2.4 inch colour touch screen and comes with a data meter to track usage. It supports up to 30 WiFi-enabled devices (15 each on 2.4 and 5 GHz), and its 4500mAH quick charge battery can last up to 9 hours. It also offers Gigabit ethernet, USB connectivity and Wi-Fi 6.

The WiFi Pro is priced at $599 outright, or $24.95/24months, $16.63/36 month with a Telstra data plan. Monthly plans include $20/5GB, $30/12GB, $50/35GB and annual plans include $150/40GB and $300/180GB. Initially Telstra is offering 5G access at no charge until 30 June, however from 1 July, an opt-in surcharge of $15 month to month has been flagged.

The device is available immediately and can be ordered through MobileCorp.

Aimed at business use cases

With the HTC Hub being discontinued by Telstra some weeks ago, the Telstra WiFi Pro is the only 5G compatible broadband device now available from Telstra.

MobileCorp Head of Managed Services, Peter Jonson, says the launch will be welcomed by corporate customers.

"The Telstra WiFi Pro is a mobile broadband device that is future-proofed for business. It is not only compatible with 5G now, but also with mmWave 5G which will come on-stream in 2021.

"With 4G mobile broadband devices still experiencing constrained supply due to the Covid-19 remote working surge, the WiFi Pro will be welcomed by corporate customers."

Full specifications below

Manufacturer:  ZTE
Network 5G band:  -mmW n258 - Sub6G n78 - Low band: n5, n7
4G LTE Advanced:  1/3/7/8/28 Category 20 3G: 850MHz Chipset Qualcomm SDX55 Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n/ax 2.4 GHz and 802.11a/n/ac/ax 5 GHz (Wi-Fi 6), 2x2 MIMO Dual band, up to 30 users (15 users each channel)
Interface:  1*USB3.1 type C(Gen2) 1*RJ45(GE) Dual TS-9 external antenna port
Battery: 4500mAH, quick charging
Display:  2.4” colour touch screen
Operating System: i OS 9 or later, Android 4.1 or Windows® 10,8,7
Available colours: Black
4G and 5G: 5G and 4GX (Cat.20)
SIM Type: Nano (4FF)
Ports:  Ethernet/USB Type C 3.1 Gen 2, dual TS-9 antenna ports support 4G/3G only
What’s in the box: Device and removable battery, USB type C cable AC charger, Quick start guide, manufacturer’s warranty card

 

 

New 5G network coverage maps

Telstra has updated its coverage maps to reflect the increased reach of its 5G network. 

Sydney

Melbourne

Brisbane region

47 cities with 5G 

NSW

VIC

QLD

WA

Albury Wodonga 

Ballarat 

Brisbane 

Busselton 

Bathurst 

Bendigo 

Bundaberg 

Perth 

Central Coast 

Geelong 

Cairns 

SA

Coffs Harbour 

Hamilton 

Gladstone 

Adelaide 

Deniliquin 

Horsham 

Gold Coast 

Mt Gambier 

Dubbo 

Kyneton 

Ipswich 

TAS

Goulburn 

Melbourne 

Mackay 

Hobart 

Grafton 

Mildura 

Rockhampton

Launceston 

Griffith 

Swan Hill 

Toowoomba 

ACT

Kempsey 

Wallan 

Townsville 

Canberra 

Lithgow 

Warrnambool 

Warwick 

 

Maitland 

 

 

 

Murwillumbah 

 

 

 

Newcastle 

 

 

 

Port Macquarie 

 

 

 

Portland 

 

 

 

Sydney 

 

 

 

Wagga Wagga

 

 

 

 

About MobileCorp

MobileCorp is an Australian communications technology company providing Mobile Device Management, Managed Mobility Services, Complex Data and IP Networks, and Unified Communication solutions. We have a proven track record providing solution architecture, build, deployment, and managed services for Australian enterprise and business. We are also a Telstra Platinum Partner and have been a Telstra partner since 1988 (before Telstra was even called Telstra). Read Our History