Telstra’s new Smart Modem 4: everything you need to know

What is the Telstra Smart Modem 4?

If you’re a new personal or business customer and take up a fixed broadband service with us, we’ll get you and your devices connected to the internet with one of our “Smart Modems”.

When paired with one of our Telstra Upfront Internet plans, the Smart Modem can enable our mobile backup feature, support AI-powered SmartFix to proactively detect and resolve issues, and it’s compatible with EasyMesh for our Smart Wi-Fi Boosters.  

Our newest Smart Modem - the Smart Modem 4 - allows you to access features you love on eligible plans, while also providing more secure and more reliable internet compared to our previous Smart Modems. This is thanks to new Wi-Fi 7 technology and 5G backup (capped at 25/5 Mbps on home internet) for the first time on the Telstra mobile network. 

For small businesses, that 5G backup can help keep the doors open if you’re experiencing any issues with your regular connection, and you’re in a mobile coverage area. 

If you’re someone who connects to the internet through Telstra 5G Home Internet, you’ll also be able to connect with a Smart Modem 4, bringing upgrades such as Wi-Fi 7 to your network too. 

Let’s dive into what it all means. 

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Much like smartphones, Wi-Fi technology is classified in different “generations”. The latest generation to roll-out to Australians is known as Wi-Fi 7. In a nutshell, it offers better range and more bandwidth than previous generations for a whole home of compatible devices.

With the addition of Wi-Fi 7, alongside our software and hardware, you’ll be getting a big leap in Wi-Fi network performance, security and coverage on your Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices. 

Wi-Fi 7 on the Telstra Smart Modem 4 is capable of faster theoretical maximum Wi-Fi speeds for your home network on Wi-Fi 7 supported devices, than Telstra Smart Modem 3.

The addition of Wi-Fi 7 also introduces a technology called Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices to connect to both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands at the same time. This combines both of these frequencies for a faster and smarter wireless network than previous generations.  

The new Telstra Smart Modem 4 continues to support “beamforming” with Wi-Fi 7. This means that instead of broadcasting a signal in all directions, the Smart Modem 4 locks onto compatible devices it’s streaming a connection to for more consistent speeds and improved reliability than previous models.

Designed for accessibility

The Telstra Smart Modem 4 was designed with accessibility in mind, to help more customers set-up their own device, trouble-shoot and customise their own experience. 

The TSM4 includes tactile port labels to support easier set up for customers with low vision or accessibility needs. We've also incorporated shaped control buttons for key functions to make them easier to identify with your hands.  

Plus, the browser based admin interface (GUI) currently meets WCAG 2.2 Level A, with further enhancements planned.

Safer than ever

Through Wi-Fi 7, the new Smart Modem 4 delivers major security enhancements to help keep the home wireless network secure. Automatic software updates also ensure the modem’s security protocols are kept up to date. 

New security features such as mandatory WPA3 encryption also make it harder for people to gain access to your network. 

Outside of the modem, our cyber initiatives work every day to help keep you safer from scams and other digital threats, no matter which device you’re using. 

An internet connection that can repair itself with AI

When paired with one of our Telstra Upfront Internet plans, the Smart Modem 4 not only enables mobile backup that takes over in the event of a nbn outage within mobile coverage areas, but also a suite of smart diagnostic tools that help you get back online faster. 

One cool feature called “SmartFix” proactively monitors internet performance and uses artificial intelligence to automatically try to resolve faults in the background before they cause an issue.   

It’s designed to identify and fix problems before you even notice them. 

First introduced in our Smart Modem 2, we’ve found that it takes action on thousands of services a week automatically. 

Plus - Telstra Smart Troubleshooting helps customers easily diagnose Wi-Fi issues and offers troubleshooting suggestions within the My Telstra app. These proactive support features – and more – help deliver a better experience if a fault does occur. 

Pricing and release date

You’ll be able to order the new Smart Modem 4 from today. 

Customers who sign-up to our eligible fixed home or business internet plans will receive a Smart Modem 4 included for use. If they cancel their plan within 24 months, they can simply return the modem or pay $200 non-return fee. 

Customers on Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections on eligible plans will be able to use the Smart Modem 4 to experience the new high speed tiers when they launch in mid-September.  

If you’re already a Telstra fixed home or business internet customer and want to purchase a Telstra Smart Modem 4 – they will be available for $240 upfront or on repayments for up to 24 months.  

You can also recycle your old Telstra modem in your local Telstra store as part of our eCycle Program. Get more info on plans and the new Smart Modem 4. 

Things you need to know

** 5G backup is intended only in the case of your standard connection experiencing issues, with speeds capped at 25/5 Mbps.