Telstra's latest hotspot promises faster 5G speeds, but we won't see them until next year

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 26 May 2020

Telstra is expanding its range of 5G devices with the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro, a new 5G portable hotspot that supports higher speed mmWave 5G. This makes it the first mobile broadband device in Australia that can connect to both Sub 6 and mmWave 5G networks. Of course, mmWave 5G is still a while off in Australia.

mmWave and Sub 6 are the two most commonly discussed types of 5G networks, and both have different characteristics related to the frequencies they're deployed on.

mmWave 5G uses extremely high frequencies starting from 26GHz. While mmWave is the fastest 5G technology - potentially reaching speeds over 4Gbps, it has the shortest range and can have issues penetrating buildings. No Australian 5G networks have a publicly accessible mmWave component, but Telstra now has three test sites. Australian telcos will be able to bid for access to mmWave spectrum at the start of 2021. This means it is unlikely we'll see mmWave 5G connectivity in Australia until late 2021 or early 2022.

Sub 6 5G, also known as mid-band 5G runs on frequencies similar to what 4G networks use now, albeit on the higher end of the spectrum. All Australian 5G networks, including Telstra's, currently rely on Sub 6 5G.

While the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro can currently only connect to Sub 6 5G and 4G networks, Telstra is pitching it as a portable hotspot for those who want to futureproof themselves for the "next iteration of 5G".

In terms of the device itself, the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro can support up to 30 simultaneous wireless device connections and also has an Ethernet port for connecting wired devices. Telstra says the 4,500mAh battery will provide up to nine hours of continuous usage.

The Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro is available from today priced at $599 outright, which adds $24.95 per month to any Telstra SIM-only mobile broadband on a 24-month term. Here are Telstra's 24-month 5G Wi-Fi Pro plans:

Upfront Data Plan Small

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data

$54.83/mth

($33 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $556.92

Link not supplied

$54.83/mth

($33 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $556.92

Link not supplied

5G connectivity is only available as a standard feature on Telstra's mobile broadband plans until the end of June. After this point customers not the telco's medium or large plan will need to pay an extra $15 per month.

However, a Telstra spokesperson told us the company is currently reviewing its plan structures, "including 5G," and that it will provide an update soon.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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