Telstra launches tough Next G phone, but not for the bush

Stuart Corner
Monday, 03 September 2007 09:52

Your IT - Home IT

Telstra has launched a new ruggedised Next G handset, designed for people who work outdoors, but it's not ideal for country folk as it does not have the Telstra 'blue tick' applied to handsets with superior performance and recommended for use in marginal coverage areas.

However, the new handset, the  Telstra 158, does have an optional car-kit with external antenna. It is manufactured by ZTE of China and is billed as being shock, dust and water resistant.

It incorporates a 1.3 megapixel camera, integrated MP3 player, MMS capability, hands-free speaker and bluetooth: features which Telstra notes are "much more than could be found on even the most advanced CDMA handset."

Telstra Business Group managing director, Deena Shiff, said: “Telstra’s own communications technicians working in the field will be getting the Telstra 158. The handset will become part of their tool kit as we expect it will stand up well to the rigours of their work environments."

The Telstra 158 retails for $649 or is available on a range of post-paid plans starting at $40 per month on a 24 month contract.