Telstra
switches on the future!
Telstra launches Next G™
network
Telstra launched its new National 3G
850MHz HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet
Access) network early this morning. The
new network has been christened the Next
G™ Network. This new network will be
replacing the CDMA and EVDO networks,
which are due to close in early 2008.
The Next G™ Network is the largest third
generation network in the country.
“This ushers in a new era in mobile
communication,” said Kylie Jones,
Manager of AXXIS ComWorld. “Finally
country customers will have access to
the same cutting edge technology as
their city-based cousins. All the
advanced features like video calling and
mobile broadband will be available -
you’ll even be able to receive Foxtel on
your mobile!”
Customers who change over to the new
network can look forward to downloading
new music from BigPond Music, watching
the 12 new made-for-mobile Foxtel by
Mobile channels, checking their Inbox
for new email while they are out and
about, video calling family and friends,
and finding their way with Whereis
Mobile. These features are possible due
to the extra bandwidth provided by the
new network. This extra bandwidth will
also enable the delivery of Wireless
Broadband services to customers beyond
the reach of the current CDMA EVDO and
ADSL services.
Next G™ is distinctly different from
the 3G network currently available in
metro areas. The existing 3G network
operates at 2100MHz as contrasted to the
Next G™ network which operates at
850MHz. The significance of the lower
frequency is that the signal will travel
further and is better able to cope with
obstacles. The Next G™ network is
exclusive to Telstra at a national level
as Telstra is the only provider that
owns the required frequency licenses
across the nation.
Using HSDPA technology for data means
that the Next G network will be 3-5
times faster than the original 3G
2100MHz network with typical user speeds
averaging 550kb/s – 1.5Mb/s.
Cellular mobile and in particular
national wireless broadband access on
the new Telstra 850MHz network could
reasonably be expected to start
something of a revolution in Australian
telecommunications in the next 6-12
months. It certainly will be an exciting
time to see these new technologies
unfold and their potential be realised.
Current CDMA customers have until early
2008 to transfer over to the Next G™
Network as it is likely to be switched
off mid 2008.
