Telstra's new Smart Modem has 4G backup for your landline

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 30 October 2018

Telstra's new Smart Modem has 4G backup for your landline

Telstra has launched a new version of the "Smart Modem" bundled with new internet connections that promises to be even smarter. Dubbed the Smart Modem Gen 2, the new hardware now offers 4G backup for landlines.

If you're connected to the NBN and your internet goes out, the Smart Modem Gen 2 will use an internal SIM to ensure you can keep receiving phone calls on your landline number (an internet outage won't disrupt landlines for ADSL and cable customers).

Much like the original Smart Modem, the second generation product will also use its internal SIM as a backup SIM for a backup internet connection. Telstra says the original Smart Modem led to around "50% less customers reaching out for support, receiving credits, or lodging a complaint".

Other key specifications for the Smart Modem Gen 2 include dual band 4x4 MIMO AC Wi-Fi, four gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one gigabit Ethernet WAN port, WPS, and a single USB 3.0 port.

Telstra's Smart Modem Gen 2 is now included standard with all of the telco's NBN, ADSL, and cable internet plans. New customers who sign up to any Telstra internet plan worth at least $69 per month will get a bonus Google Home Mini. Telstra's NBN plans are as follows:

All Fixed Line nbn®

Basic Internet Only Plan

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 25/4 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

Compare all NBN plans here.

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.

Read full bio