Mobile Broadband to be increased to 21Mbps by Telstra
With download speeds that peak at 21Mbps and the intention to increase speeds to 42Mbps in the later part of the year, Telstra have launched its new mobile broadband service with claims of it being the fastest in the world.
To be able to access this service, which is delivered using Telstra’s NextG HSPA+ mobile network, users will need a new modem that has been developed jointly by Telstra, Sierra Wireless, Ericsson and Qualcomm, called the Telstra Turbo 21.
The new broadband rate would boost productivity within businesses and provide a number of benefits for a range of industries said Sol Trujillo, the CEO of Telstra whilst speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Trujillo said “In just over two years, we have taken our world leading network from peak network speeds of 3.6Mbps to 21Mbps and today we are launching the world’s first commercial 21Mbps peak-rated modem.”
He also added that these speeds are over three times quicker than any other devices that currently exist.
Consumer will have to wait until April to get these devices but for some business customer the 21Mbps rate modems will be available right now. According to Telstra, however, customer will typically see download speeds of up to 8Mbps with these devices.
Trujillo said “With 21Mbps rated network and devices, we expect to see business productivity increase even further at a time when business and governments need to find practical ways to lift economies out of recession and do more with less.”
An early leadership role was taken by Telstra when it approached Sierra Wireless “long before any other carrier” in order to make sure that these devices would be ready for the worlds first HSPA+ network roll-out said Jason Cohenour, the CEO of Sierra Wireless.
Cohenour said “We accelerated development of HSPA+ products to support Telstra’s network roll-out and introduced not only an HSPA+ USB modem, but also an embedded module to support original equipment manufacturers in developing new products and solutions that can leverage the faster speeds that Telstra 21 delivers.”
If purchased outright the preliminary price has been set at $499 for the new 21Mbps data service, which has been release with the Telstra Turbo 21 USB Modem, or for a $39 data pack over 24 month it will cost $299. A $59 data pack over 24 month with the USB modem will also cost $299.
If purchased outright by existing BigPond customers who wish to upgrade their device or as part of a 12 month plan the BigPond 21 USB Mobile card will be available for $399.
