Telstra introduces advanced 4G hotspot, switches on 3000th 4G tower

Aussies on the go will be able to connect throughout the day with the launch next Tuesday of an advanced 4G hotspot that provides all-day endurance.

The Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced is a battery-powered mobile hotspot that can operate continuously for up to 10 hours and share a 4G connection with up to ten devices at once making it possible to enjoy the performance benefits of 4G on existing Wi-Fi enabled tablets, laptops and smartphones.

The launch comes as Telstra lights up its 3,000th 4G base station in Dalby Queensland today and confirms its 4G coverage is now available across an area four times greater than the 4G coverage of any other telco in Australia.

Andrew Volard, Telstra’s Director of Devices, said the Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced was Telstra’s most sophisticated mobile broadband product to date.

“The Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced features a number of innovations including a colour touch screen for managing settings without having to log into PC browser, a data meter integrated with our billing system making it simpler to monitor data usage, and a battery that can get customers through a full work day plus the commute,” Mr Volard said.

“Consumer customers are going to love using it to connect the family on trips or when commuting to work. And, it gives business customers the option to take their own fast network with them on customer visits or when they’re out on the road.”

“The Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced is also notable for being one of the world’s first LTE Advanced-compatible products and it will operate in this mode in some locations where we have a lower 4G band in place for coverage or capacity. Experience with these initial LTE-A areas on our network will help us refine this technology ahead of its widespread deployment in the coming years.”

LTE-Advanced is one of the technologies Telstra is pioneering to help meet the nation’s insatiable demand for 4G connectivity. It brings together spectrum bands to carry more data for customers.

Mr Volard said Telstra was now just 500 base station upgrades shy of providing 4G coverage to 85 per cent of the Australian population.

“Telstra’s 4G coverage expansion program is now running at full tilt and today we switched on our 3,000th 4G base station bringing fast download speeds and a more reliable mobile data experience to people in Dalby, regional Queensland.

“The milestone means Telstra now offers 4G coverage across an area four times greater than any other telco in Australia.

“We’re well progressed on our program to rollout 3,500 4G base stations by Christmas and our customers are telling us it’s giving them more freedom to manage their life and work on the go.” 
 

Key features and pricing for the Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced:

• Allows customers to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices to fast mobile internet.
• A 2.4-inch colour screen displays information such as data usage, Wi-Fi name, signal strength, number of devices connected and battery level at a glance. The touch interface allows owners to read SMS notifications and change setting such as Wi-Fi range and band direct from the device without having to connect to a PC interface.
• 4G Category 4 and 3G Dual Channel technology ensures owners are connected to the fastest speeds available in their area, across the Telstra Mobile Network. 
• Features dual-band Wi-Fi capable of providing Wi-Fi coverage on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Battery supports up to ten hours’ continuous use or 250 hours/10-days standby.

The Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced is available from Tuesday 12 November on a range of 24 month consumer and business plans.

For instance consumer customers can purchase it for $6 per month on a $50 Telstra Mobile Broadband Freedom® Plan when they stay connected for 24 months, with 8GB of included data each month to use in Australia (min cost $1,344, data 0.61c/MB).

Business customers can purchase it for $6 per month on the $50 Telstra Mobile Broadband Business Plan when they stay connected for 24 months (min total cost $1,344, data 0.61c/MB) with 8GB of included data each month to use in Australia.

The Telstra Mobile Network offers 4G in all capital CBDs and associated airports, many surrounding suburban areas and in over 100 regional areas. You’ll automatically switch to our fastest available 3G in other coverage areas around Australia. Check coverage on our Coverage Map.