Telstra has announced that it is conducting 700MHz 4G commercial trials in six areas -Perth, Fremantle, Esperance, Mildura, Mt Isa and Griffith. Telstra's subcribers in these areas can enjoy the 4G service using the HTC One M8 and the Samsung Galaxy S5, as well as one 4G advanced mobile broadband device.
The 700MHz spectrum, which was previously used for analogue VHF and UHF television services, provides better 4G indoor coverage especialy in metro areas as the lower frequency has better penetration signal into buildings, lifts and car parks.
Telstra's trials include testing of the advanced LTE using 20MHz of the 700MHz spectrum band at six locations around Australia ahead of rolling out more 4G 700MHz services in a range of cities and regional centres from January 2015.
“This spectrum operates at a lower frequency that will give our customers better 4G coverage in buildings, lifts and car parks. Our superior spectrum holding is significant and as customers take part in this commercial trial, they will experience faster speeds compared with other services in this band. 4G Advanced technology is the next evolution of our 4G service and brings together two spectrum bands - 700MHz and 1800MHz - to serve up ultra-fast data speeds. It will be capable of providing customers double the speeds they currently experience on the 4G network, plus better 4G coverage indoors and beyond."
- Mike Wright, Telstra Group Managing Director Networks
