21 Mbps wireless broadband modem heading for retail

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 11:50

Your IT - Home IT

Retail customers are set to reap the benefit of Telstra's mobile broadband speed boost with the Next G Turbo 21 modem reaching the company's stores and dealers.

The Turbo 21 modem was part of Telstra's announcement of the world's first 21 Mbps mobile broadband service at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona during February 2009.

So far, the device has only been available to business customers. While exact numbers have not been disclosed, Telstra says it has been rolled out to "several thousand" customers.

While the nominal raw speed is 21 Mbps, Telstra officials say users can typically expect speeds between 550 kbps and 8 Mbps.

"The Next G network has already transformed the Australian business scene. It has underpinned a shift to mobile working and has resulted in the introduction of new labour-saving wireless devices making the smartphone a must have accessory," said Telstra business group managing director Deena Shiff. "The productivity gains are significant and have been documented."
 
"The faster speeds now available on the Next G network with the new Turbo 21 Modem will mean businesses can continue to stay ahead of the game at this crucial time. The bottom line is that businesses can get more done, more quickly, when they need to on the move."

The next stage in the introduction of Telstra's 21 Mbps modem will be the arrival of a BigPond-branded version, scheduled for next month.

Rumours are circulating that the next model of Apple's iPhone will operate with 14.4 and possibly 21 Mbps wireless broadband services.