Telstra unveils world-first Enterprise-grade 5G solutions

Media Release, 14 July 2020

A faster and more agile future for Australian business has arrived, with Telstra launching a world-first suite of Enterprise-grade 5G solutions.

Telstra Enterprise customers are the first in the world to be able to purchase and deploy Cradlepoint 5G wireless network edge solutions – a series of adaptors and routers engineered to deliver the speed, security, reliability and manageability required by Enterprise 5G customers.

Combined with Telstra’s 5G network and Enterprise Wireless service, they complete one of the world’s most comprehensive Enterprise 5G solutions, providing a real alternative to fixed connections for organisations.

Telstra Enterprise Group Executive Michael Ebeid said customers within Telstra’s 5G network footprint would be able to take advantage of the game-changing benefits 5G can bring to their operations.

“5G’s faster speeds, lower latency and greater network capacity has the potential to unlock a host of innovations and market opportunities – really revolutionising how organisations operate,” Mr Ebeid said.

“Telstra’s leading investment in our network coverage, coupled with these world-first Cradlepoint devices, give our customers a unique advantage. They can power a business’ cloud-based applications and remote working needs, without being connected to a fixed network.

“These past few months have proved that mobility and adaptability are vital for all businesses. The ability to quickly power up a fast, reliable and powerful connectivity solution, when and where you need it, can mean the difference of being up and running in hours, not weeks.

“With Cradlepoint and Telstra 5G, businesses can be online before the paint’s dry in a new office or before the trucks have arrived at a worksite. It’s also a powerful backup option for fixed networks.

“The power of our 5G network rollout means wireless connectivity is a viable opportunity for a range of industries from construction to financial services to government.”

Enterprise-grade

Telstra has developed rigorous selection criteria and testing to ensure that these solutions will perform in an enterprise scenario.

Telstra will be launching Cradlepoint’s new portfolio of 5G network edge solutions:

  • W2000 Series 5G Wideband Adapters – A choice of indoor or rugged outdoor integrated modem and antenna systems for 5G mobile access.
  • E3000 Series – All-in-one 5G-optimised edge routers for small to midsized branches requiring advanced routing, SD-WAN and advanced security functionality at full 5G speeds.
  • E300 Series – All-in-one 5G-ready edge routers for pop-up and smaller branch sites (to be launched later this quarter)

These 5G wireless edge endpoints will be powered by Telstra’s network and Enterprise Wireless service, enabling Enterprise customers in 5G coverage areas with the power of 5G while providing a host of powerful management tools. In non-5G areas, customers will switch to 4G/4GX coverage where available.

Purpose-built for LTE and 5G branch networking and controlled via the Cradlepoint NetCloud service, Branch, Mobile and IoT use-cases, all edge routers include cloud-based network connection management, routing and security as well as Telstra’s Managed Service, which includes professional services, device installation and setup, lifecycle management and service assurance.

Cradlepoint Chairman and CEO George Mulhern said the ground-breaking solutions represented a “clean sheet of paper” design.

“This week is the culmination of several years of work by Cradlepoint engineers to be first-to-market with 5G wireless network edge solutions specifically designed for the enterprise,” Mr Mulhern said.

“When it came time to select a launch partner, Telstra’s pedigree of innovation and industry firsts made them the obvious choice.

“Today is a huge milestone for Telstra, Cradlepoint and the industry, but it’s a huge win for Australian enterprise customers as they embrace 5G to disrupt the status quo and propel their businesses forward.”

Access to Telstra 5G is now rolling out across 47 cities and regional towns, with more than 1,500 5G sites now switched on and 10 million Australians who now live, work and pass through Telstra’s 5G network footprint able to experience the future of connectivity.

Telstra is continuing to roll out 5G coverage to more parts of Australia as part of its aim to have the largest, fastest,  smartest and most reliable next generation network.

Simplifying the Enterprise experience

The launch of the Cradlepoint series is a significant step in Telstra Enterprise’s broader plan to bring together its investment in 5G, simplified next generation plans, enterprise endpoints and managed services, providing a real alternative to fixed connections.

As part of its T22 strategy, Telstra is also radically reducing its Enterprise mobile plans to a suite of simplified and adaptive core offerings across its product range, from handheld phones to laptops, tablets and Enterprise Wireless solutions. Customers can complement their plans with a variety of add on modules that suit their needs.

Media contact:

Steve Carey, General Manager - Media

E: media@team.telstra.com

069/2020