ITWire

The 42Mbps throughput is achieved by using two carriers instead of the single carrier used by Telstra's current 21Mbps HSPA service. Early in 2011 Telstra says it will be able to increase throughput to a theoretical 84Mbps by using multi-antenna (MIMO) technology in the network and on the end user devices.

Meanwhile Nokia Siemens Networks demonstrated, at MWC, the next evolution of HSPA+ that will use four carriers to deliver downstream data rates up to 112Mbps.

According to Telstra CEO, David Thodey, "The completion of the HSPA+ dual carrier upgrade will mean a better customer experience in areas of high demand, making the Telstra Next G network better placed to deal with the capacity demands that are causing headaches for other carriers around the world."

The announced device is a USB dongle from Sierra Wireless that will go on sale at an unspecified date "later this year". Telstra says it expects customers using the device will experience typical speeds around double those seen today with devices able to exploit the current 21Mbps technology.

"With HSPA+ dual carrier technology we expect to offer speeds that are comparable to the initial speeds we have seen reported from some fledgling LTE networks," Thodey said.

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