Netgear's Nighthawk M5 is a 5G portable modem that can achieve 4Gbps download speeds

Netgear today announced the Nighthawk M5 portable modem, a 5G mobile hotspot that can achieve download speeds of up to 4Gbps over next generation mobile networks. 

Actual download speeds will depend on the 5G technology in question, congestion, and coverage, but on paper, the Nighthawk M5 is twice as fast as its predecessor, the Nighthawk M2, which is able to achieve download speeds of 2Gbps over 4G. If 5G isn't available, the Nighthawk M5 has 4G as backup.

The Nighthawk M5 has an integrated battery said to last "all day", but can also be plugged in for use at home. If you're predominantly using the Nighthawk M5 at home, you can also remove the battery to prevent it from degrading. Up to 32 devices can connect wirelessly, and there's also a gigabit Ethernet port if you want to connect a network switch or other wireless devices.

Local pricing and availability for the Nighthawk M5 have yet to be confirmed, but it won't be available anywhere until the second half of the year. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Nighthawk M5 pop up at Telstra eventually, however. Big T is currently ranging the Nighthawk M2, and was previously ranging the original Nighthawk M1.

If you're after a portable 5G modem right now, your only local option is the HTC 5G Hub. 

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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