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Telstra Turns On 5G-enabled WiFi Hotspot; Powers Connected Car with 5G mmWave

Telstra Turns On 5G-enabled WiFi Hotspot; Powers Connected Car with 5G mmWave Image Credit: Telstra (for illustrative purpose only)

Telstra said it has turned on 'the first precinct of 5G-enabled Wi-Fi hotspots in the world', allowing Gold Coast locals and visitors to enjoy free broadband while Telstra evaluates 5G technology.

Telstra’s Group Managing Director Networks Mike Wright said Telstra is using the connectivity via its recently opened 5G Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast to power a series of Wi-Fi hotspots on Scarborough and Nerang Streets in Southport as well as a 5G powered Connected Car.

“Taking 5G technology out of a lab and into the hands of consumers is another key milestone on Telstra’s roadmap to offering 5G services in 2019.”

There are no 5G compatible commercial smartphones or tablets available today. By connecting 5G backhaul and infrastructure in the Southport Exchange, to a standard Wi-Fi access point then people can use the technology on their existing device. 

Using Wi-Fi access as part of Telstra’s 5G technical program is an innovative way to show the benefits of 5G capability in real world conditions. The 5G hotspots will be open to anyone in the area and are free with a download limit of 10 GB per day per device.

“Our 5G backhaul is capable of delivering download speeds of more than 3 Gbps, which is capable of supporting around 1,000 HD movies being streamed simultaneously.”

Telstra is also using mmWave spectrum and its 5G Innovation Centre to put a Connected Car on the road with the Intel 5G Automotive Trial Platform, one of the most advanced 5G prototype devices available in the world today.

The Connected Car will help Telstra to start getting real results on mobile performance over mmWave and ensure 5G network readiness.  These advances are part of a series of 5G related activities that Telstra, Ericsson, Intel and other technology companies will undertake on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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