Telstra offers world-first Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ standard in new Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 with Telstra Smart Modem 2.0™ for improved wireless networks at home

Media Release, 07 May 2019

Telstra has announced the launch of the Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0, a new solution for a superior in-home Wi-Fi network experience.

The Wi-Fi EasyMesh™- certified Gen 2 Booster is specifically designed to work together with the Telstra Smart Modem 2.0 ™ to improve in-home Wi-Fi. With a simple two button setup, a single booster will pair directly to the modem and boost wireless coverage, helping to reduce or resolve black spots and extending wireless coverage from the modem’s base. This removes the need to have a secondary device connected to the modem to reduce unnecessary clutter and cost.

In addition to the Gen 2 Booster, the Gen 2 Smart Modem is the first Telco ISP-provided device of its kind in the world to be certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance as Wi-Fi EasyMesh approved.

The Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 helps deliver strong coverage networks that intelligently manage resources with minimal user intervention. The technology is highly scalable, enabling users to easily add wireless access points where needed and with both the booster and the modem having the EasyMesh technology it means better coverage, reduced dropouts and an improved experience for customers.

This means smartphones and other wireless devices in the home will automatically connect to a Wi-Fi connection as customers move about their home, which is becoming increasingly important as streaming services become more mainstream in the home.

Telstra Connected Home & Business Executive, Michele Garra, said the second generation Wi-Fi Booster was just another step towards creating a best in class connectivity for customers.

“Telstra is not only the first Australian telco but also the first telco in the world to have the global Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ standard accreditation on both a modem and extender device.  Now, our customers can get even better Wi-Fi coverage in their home or small office, and can take steps to reduce or resolve black spots in those hard-to-reach places.

“Where previously customers would have had to plug an additional booster into their modem, the mesh technology built into the Telstra Smart Modem 2.0™ means those customers will usually only need to purchase one booster device to extend their wireless signal in their home or office. It’s a simpler and less cluttered solution for customers with Wi-Fi issues.”

“As part of our T22 strategy to radically simplify our products and services, we are continuing to focus on innovation so our customers can experience the best connectivity both inside and out of their homes. We know that the Wi-Fi experience in the home can sometimes be challenging due to a number of factors out of our customer’s control, such as building construction, larger dwellings, or interference from other devices,” Ms Garra said.

“There are now over 450,000 Gen 2 Telstra Smart Modems in homes across Australia, and these customers have access to 4G mobile network backup for a more reliable internet connection, as well as the only modem in the market with home voice calling backup when they are connected to the nbn network.”

“Our customer satisfaction scores for those with a Telstra Smart Modem are significantly higher than those without, and we have 50% less customers reaching out for support if they have a Smart Modem. This is due to the device’s built-in tools that help our technicians diagnose problems before they even arrive at the door,” she said.

“The Telstra Smart Modem and the Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster are just two of many different technologies and devices we’re introducing to create a smarter, stronger network for homes around Australia.”

The Telstra Smart Modem 2.0™ and Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 are now available for all Telstra Broadband customers. Customers who already have a Telstra Smart Modem 2.0 will have a software upgrade sent remotely to their device so they are able to take full advantage of the benefits when they purchase one or more Gen 2 Boosters.

The Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster 2.0 is available online or in store from today, for $192 outright or $8 per month for 24 months per Booster, when you maintain an Internet plan. Min cost $192 + your plan charges.

More information on the Telstra Smart Modem 2.0™ and the Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 available here: telstra.com/smartwifi.

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Media contact: Matthew Wu

E: media@team.telstra.com

Reference number: 050/2019

 

Further info

Distinct advantages of the Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 over traditional Wi-Fi ‘range extenders’:

  • Proven improved customer experience – improved connectivity as you move throughout your home or office
  • Scalable – additional Telstra Smart Wi-Fi Booster™ 2.0 devices can be added later if you require more coverage in other areas of your home or office, up to a maximum of four
  • Easy to install – simple two button pairing setup on the Telstra Home Dashboard app

 

Things you need to know:

Telstra Smart Wi-Fi™ Booster Gen 2: Telstra internet service and Telstra modem required. Recommended for use with Telstra Smart Modem™ Gen 2.  Maximum of 4 devices per broadband account. Delivery fee may apply. 

Hardware Repayment Option (HRO): Only customers with an existing fixed service are eligible. Maximum 5 HROs per customer at any one time. If you cancel an HRO early or cancel your existing fixed service(s), your HRO will also terminate and you will be required to pay out the remainder of your HRO.

Telstra Smart Modem™ Gen 2: Mobile backup is available to premises in 4G coverage areas. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage. Eligible broadband service required. Your mobile backup connection is limited to speeds of up to 12Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads. Actual speeds will vary due to local conditions and content accessed. Voice backup requires compatible home phone.