Local telco Telstra is reportedly ahead of schedule for the rollout of its 5G network, with the coronavirus pandemic said to not have hampered results. The news follows the launch of its new 5G mobile broadband device, the ‘5G Wi-Fi Pro.’
It’s Australia’s first mobile broadband device that is capable of mmWave, herlanding the next iteration of 5G technology ahead of broader roll-out next year.
“mmWave is going to be a big part of our 5G future and with the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro we are offering customers a device that will be able to take advantage of the next iteration of 5G as soon as it arrives,” says Telstra product and service design exec, Andrew Stormont.
The product can support up to 30 Wi-Fi enabled devices (2.4 & 5 GHz), and access both 5G and advanced 4GX connectivity.
Speaking to The Australian, Telstra network engineering executive, Channa Seneviratne, claims the company has rolled out 5G to 47 cities and regional centres, as it heads towards its goal of 35 cities by June 30, announced last year.
The telco asserts it has also increased 5G coverage in suburban areas as the coronavirus pandemic forces staffers to work from home.
Seneviratne has acknowledged the ‘new normal’ prompt by COVID19, with Telstra empowering employees to work from home as they continue 5G plans amidst the hindrance of the pandemic.
The telco has reportedly also etched its first test sites for 5G millimetre wave technology.
Millimetre wave (mmWave) technology is dubbed a type of 5G that is capable of handling more traffic faster, however, with shorter range (i.e. great for shopping centres, stadiums etc).
No Australian phones currently on the market reportedly support mmWave.
Available from May 26, Telstra has launched its new mobile broadband device which is the first to support the next-gem mmWave tech (‘Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro’) – available on a plan of $599 outright. Users will naturally have to be located near a test facility to use mmWave.
The device houses a 2.4-inch touch screen with data usage meter, a gigabit ethernet connection, USB connection and 4500mAH battery (with quick charge) that offers up to 9 hours continuous battery life.
