Albury-Wodonga steps into a 5G future

Tuesday 3 December 2019: Albury-Wodonga has today taken a step towards the 5G future as Telstra switches on the area’s first Telstra 5G base stations, part of our ongoing rollout of Australia’s leading 5G.

Telstra Regional General Manager Loretta Willaton said the new 5G capacity, and the ongoing rollout, will not only benefit customers with 5G devices in the selected areas that 5G will initially be deployed, but will also benefit customers with 4G devices in the vicinity of new 5G coverage.

“Telstra has always been dedicated to connecting people in regional Australia and ensuring they are amongst the first to experience the latest mobile technology,” Ms Willaton said.

“It is really exciting Albury-Wodonga will be among the first cities in Australia, indeed the world, to have access to 5G connectivity.

“Telstra has been leading the way in pioneering 5G technology with a number of world and Australian firsts – and making 5G technology available to Australian consumers.

“Now with the first 5G sites on air, customers in Albury-Wodonga have a chance to be part of that cutting edge. Further to this, as we roll out this new 5G technology, it will also improve 4G capacity and speeds.

“We now have commenced the rollout of 5G in 25 cities around Australia. For those interested in finding out more about the 5G coverage rollout and about the 5G handsets and devices available to take advantage of this new network technology, further detail can be found at telstra.com.au/5g or by talking to a team member in any Telstra store.”

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said the introduction of 5G would be an important boost to plans by both councils to grow the regional economy under the Two Cities One Community partnership.

“This will enable us to work even more closely together as we roll out our Smart Community Framework to deliver the services and innovations that our cities of the future will need to grow and thrive,” he said.

Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie said the higher performance of 5G would enable both councils to build better insights into our community’s future more quickly through improved data and communications.

“These improvements will help to enhance our region’s economic prosperity and liveability, while also improving the safety of our community members,” Cr Speedie said.

The commencement of the 5G rollout in Albury-Wodonga is part of Telstra’s commitment to extend 5G coverage to selected areas of 35 major and regional cities across Australia by the end of June 2020.

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Telstra Media contact:

Matt Smithson – Telstra State Media Manager (VIC/TAS) 
M: 0439 876 981
E: media@team.telstra.com
Media reference number: 140/2019