Telstra will launch a 4G mobile broadband network that in testing by Telstra has achieved 100Mpbs download speeds later this year, upgrading it’s existing NextG mobile network to support ‘Long Term Evolution’ (LTE) technology in all Australian CBD’s and selected regional centres by the end of 2011.
Telstra’s Chief Executive Officer David Thodey made the announcement of the telco’s 4G LTE upgrade to the Next G network at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona overnight.
“Telstra is proud to again be a technology leader, providing Australians with leading-edge mobile broadband services on the world’s largest national mobile network,” Mr Thodey said.
Mr Thodey highlighted the demand from business users, with mobile data consumption for smartphones driving the need for Telstra’s 4G mobile broadband upgrade.
“It can also help Telstra meet demand for mobile data, which is doubling every year as customers move to adopt data-hungry smartphones, mobile modems and tablets,” Mr Thodey said.
Telstra’s 4G mobile network upgrade will use the company’s existing 1800MHz spectrum to bring 4G to areas where traffic demand is most concentrated. It will be integrated with Telstra’s existing HSPA+ service, which uses the 850MHz spectrum range.
“We see the integration of LTE technology into the Next G network as a way to continue to deliver high quality services and meet growing customer demand, and we are very happy to bring this service to Australia thanks to a partnership with our long-time collaborators Ericsson, Sierra Wireless and Qualcomm,” Mr Thodey said.
President and chief executive officer of Sierra Wireless, Jason Cohenour, confirmed his company’ continued support for Telstra’s mobile broadband network, with the company to supply Telstra USB mobile broadband dongles alongside Telstra’s 4G mobile broadband network upgrade.
“Telstra’s planned upgrade to LTE technology is an exciting development that reaffirms the company and Australia as a world leader in high-speed, high-quality mobile broadband connectivity. We are thrilled to continue our longstanding collaboration with Telstra, Ericsson and Qualcomm to push mobile broadband technology forward and to provide LTE devices for the network.”
