As its shares dive, Australia has taken its Next G network, which is already the fastest in the world, to a new level with the launch of a world first HSPA+ network with dual carrier technology that claims delivers record-breaking speeds.This new offering increases the maximum network speed of Next G to 42Mbps, which equates to real-world downloads around 8Mbps; for those who are already hitting 4Mbps the new Next G device will deliver 21Mbps.
Announced at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Telstra CEO David Thodey said, “The completion of the HSPA+ Dual Carrier upgrade will mean a better customer experienceand for Telstra we are better placed to deal with the capacity demands that are causing headaches for other carriers around the world.”
HPA+ Dual Carrier technology allows Telstra to send and receive wireless data using two channels simultaneously providing peak network downlink speeds of 42Mbps. Actual customer download speeds are always lower than the peak network speeds.
The Sierra Wireless device unveiled today goes on sale in Australia later this year and Telstra expects customers using the device will experience typical speeds in selected locations around double those seen with the fastest 3G devices available in Australia today.
“With HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology we expect to offer speeds that are comparable to the initial speeds we have seen reported from some fledgling 4G LTE networks,” Mr Thodey said. “Put simply HSPA+ Dual Carrier will give Australians the bandwidth to operate their wireless devices at consistently high speeds.”
Mr Thodey also confirmed plans to continue to expand the Telstra Next G mobile network to offer even faster speeds in the years ahead.
“While LTE remains on Telstra’s technology roadmap there is a huge amount of potential remaining in HSPA+. We will take full advantage of this by again doubling our peak network speeds to 84Mbps through the implementation of HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology during 2011,” Mr Thodey said.
HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology will require new compatible devices and these are expected to come to market in 2011. Typical customer speeds and availability for HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology will be advised closer to launch.
The upgrade of Telstra’s network to HSPA+ Dual Carrier was achieved in conjunction with network partner Ericsson, with Qualcomm and Sierra Wireless joining the team to deliver a HSPA+ Dual Carrier chipset and device. This is the same team that delivered the world’s first HSPA+ network and device at last year’s Mobile World Congress.
Ericsson President and CEO Mr Hans Vestberg said, “Ericsson congratulates Telstra in achieving the milestone of the world’s first 42Mbps HSPA Dual Carrier network. Mobile broadband is transforming the way people communicate and Australian users will soon be able to enjoy the many benefits of ultra-fast performance in their everyday lives.”
Qualcomm Chairman and CEO Dr Paul Jacobs said, “Telstra’s Next G network illustrates the power of evolved HSPA technology and has become a showcase for other operators launching high-speed HSPA+ networks around the world. We congratulate Telstra on blazing a new trail with its HSPA+ Dual Carrier upgrade.”
Sierra Wireless CEO Mr Jason Cohenour said, “We have had the privilege of collaborating with Telstra many times over the past several years in pushing wireless technology forward and improving the wireless broadband experience for customers. With the launch of Dual Carrier HSPA+, Telstra once again leads the world in providing a new level of wireless broadband experience, and we are happy to support the rollout of the higher speed service with our market leading AirCard 312U USB modem and other devices that will leverage the new network capabilities.”
