Thousands of Sydney rail commuters are now able to enjoy Next G® mobile network coverage under the CBD with the completion of the first stage of a mobile network extension in the city’s underground rail network.

Officially ‘switched on’ today, the first stage of the project provides mobile communications for North Shore line commuters from Central to North Sydney, including coverage through the city’s busiest stations, Town Hall and Wynyard.

The project was given the go-ahead in late 2011 by Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian.

Anthony Goonan, Telstra director of Network and Commercial Planning said the new coverage incorporates the super fast 3G Dual Channel HSPA+ technology delivering a typical download speed of 1-20Mbps with plans to upgrade soon to 4G/LTE technology.

“Telstra is delighted to provide Sydney commuters  with high speed broadband  on our world leading Next G® network.  Commuters will now be able to enjoy all the benefits which come with that including high quality calls, communicating via email and accessing social media and Internet,” Mr Goonan said.

“This project has been many years in the planning and following our meeting with Minister Berejiklian in mid 2011 it was evident we would see immediate action.  The Minister understood the positive outcomes this project would provide to Sydney commuters.”

Mr Goonan said Telstra looked forward to continuing to work closely with the NSW State Government to complete the next stages of the project which would provide coverage throughout the City Circle and the Eastern Suburbs lines.

Fine tuning of the network over the first days of services could see some unforseen performance issues and these can be reported via phone on 125 111 or via www.telstra.com.

Regular Sydney commuters with 2G only devices wanting to enjoy the new coverage are encouraged to upgrade to a Next G® network compatible device.