Telstra launches the fastest phone in the Galaxy
- Telstra customers to be among the first in the world to experience a 1Gbps speed capable (category 16) smartphone with the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.
The new Galaxy phones boast upload speeds up to 50 per cent faster than previous Galaxy smartphones in Australia in 4GX coverage areas.
Telstra customers to benefit from Wi-Fi voice calling for extended in-building coverage and faster 4G call set up times.
Australians will be able to stream and surf at unprecedented smartphone speeds when Telstra launches the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ on 28 April.
Andrew Volard, Director of Devices, said Telstra’s network was one of the world’s first gigabit enabled networks in selected areas and customers with a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ could experience smartphone data speeds among the fastest in the world.
"We are creating a new kind of network primed for an explosion in video streaming and social sharing and Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ owners will be first to experience improved smartphone download data speeds allowing them to get the most out of these beautiful new smartphones with their brilliant infinity displays.
"Customers in 4GX coverage areas can look forward to download speeds up to 50 per cent faster than those available on the next fastest smartphone for a more reliable streaming experience and faster web browsing.
"And in an era where Australians are taking to social media to share video livestreams and photography on the go, Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners in Telstra 4GX coverage areas will be able share at speeds up to 50 per cent faster than previously possible on a Galaxy smartphone," Mr Volard said.
Telstra customers will also be able to benefit from clever voice call technology integrated into Telstra’s mobile network and both new phones.
Telstra Wi-Fi calling will automatically transfer mobile calls on the new Galaxy phones between Telstra’s 4G network and Wi-Fi (even while the call is in progress) and allow owners to make and receive mobile calls in Australia wherever there’s an accessible Wi-Fi connection – extending voice coverage to places in a home or apartment where a mobile signal may not reach. And, 4G voice calling will provide Galaxy owners quicker call set-up times, high definition voice quality and a faster web browsing experience when on a call.
Other Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ features customers will love include IP68 water and dust resistance to protect against accidental spills and splashes, an Iris Scanner to unlock the phone in the blink of an eye and even more space for photos and videos with up to 256GB expandable micro SD storage.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be available from Telstra in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Maple Gold on a range of plans. Customers who take up a Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ on a $95 or above Go Mobile Swap lease plan will enjoy a no cost upgrade after 12 months as long as their phone is returned in good working order and they take up a new 24 month eligible handset and mobile service plan. Minimum cost when you stay connected for 24 months: $2,280 for the Galaxy S8 and $2,520 for the Galaxy S8+.
Telstra will offer customers who pre-order the Galaxy S8 and S8+ from 31 March a bonus new Gear VR with Controller. Customers who pre-order early, can also receive their phone from 21 April -- up to 7 days ahead of the in-store launch. For more information or to pre-order online customers can go to telstra.com/s8.
Faster speed availability
Gigabit LTE enabled areas of the network are available initially within a 1km radius from the centre of the CBD areas in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with typical speeds as described below. The Telstra Mobile Network offers 4GX in all capital CBDs and selected suburban and regional areas and is progressively rolling out into more places. Typical speeds in 4GX areas are 5Mbps to 300Mbps download speeds with category 16 devices, within our 4GX footprint, the fastest typical speeds will be more commonly experienced within a 1km radius from the centre of the CBD areas in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane., 5-200Mbps with category 11 devices, 5-150Mbps with category 9 devices, 2-100Mbps with category 6 devices, and 2-75Mbps with category 4 devices. IN OTHER COVERAGE AREAS AROUND AUSTRALIA YOU’LL AUTOMATICALLY SWITCH TO OUR FASTEST AVAILABLE 4G, WHICH IS OFFERED IN ALL CAPITAL CBDS AND ASSOCIATED AIRPORTS, MOST SURROUNDING SUBURBAN AREAS AND IN OVER 600 REGIONAL AREAS, OR OUR 3G.
*Samsung Galaxy S8 provides ingress protection (IP68) against dust and water to a maximum of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. See http://www.samsung.com/au/pdf/IP68.pdf2for details regarding proper care/use of device. Max of 1.5m/up to 30 mins
*Iris authentication may not function in certain circumstances. See samsung.com/au/iris for details.
**Facial recognition may not function in certain circumstances
4MicroSD card sold separately.
AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST MOBILE NETWORK IS BASED ON NATIONAL AVERAGE COMBINED 3G/4G MOBILE SPEEDS. CHECK COVERAGE AT telstra.com/coverage.
Speeds vary for reasons like location, distance from base stations, terrain, user numbers, hardware/software configuration, download source and upload destination.
Telstra Media contact: Steve Carey – General Manager Media
M.+61 413 988 640
Telstra Media contact: Carey Withey –Media Manager
M.+61 407 470 811
Email: media@team.telstra.com
Media reference number: 034/2017
About Telstra
Telstra is a leading telecommunications and information services company. We offer a full range of services and compete in all telecommunications markets in Australia, operating the largest mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Globally, we provide end-to-end solutions including managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing and satellite solutions. We have licenses in Asia, Europe and the United States and offer access to more than 2,000 points of presence across the globe. For more information visit www.telstra.com.