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.
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!"
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.
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."
| 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 |
Telstra has updated its coverage maps to reflect the increased reach of its 5G network.
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane region
47 cities with 5G
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NSW |
VIC |
QLD |
WA |
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Albury Wodonga |
Ballarat |
Brisbane |
Busselton |
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Bathurst |
Bendigo |
Bundaberg |
Perth |
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Central Coast |
Geelong |
Cairns |
SA |
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Coffs Harbour |
Hamilton |
Gladstone |
Adelaide |
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Deniliquin |
Horsham |
Gold Coast |
Mt Gambier |
|
Dubbo |
Kyneton |
Ipswich |
TAS |
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Goulburn |
Melbourne |
Mackay |
Hobart |
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Grafton |
Mildura |
Rockhampton |
Launceston |
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Griffith |
Swan Hill |
Toowoomba |
ACT |
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Kempsey |
Wallan |
Townsville |
Canberra |
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Lithgow |
Warrnambool |
Warwick |
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Maitland |
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Murwillumbah |
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Newcastle |
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Port Macquarie |
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Portland |
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Sydney |
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Wagga Wagga |
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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