BARCELONA: Telstra has announced an ambitious timetable to roll out new age technologies that offer blisteringly fast broadband over wireless and in built video calling as part of call services.
Speaking at Barcelona, Telstra group managing director, networks, Mike Wright set out the timetable for voice over LTE, 5G networks, faster 4G speeds and broadcasts to mobiles at stadium events. On the issue of next generation 5G networks a hot topic at this year’s congress. Telstra said it would begin foundational 5G work with global communications technology firm Ericsson ahead of an anticipated commercial network launch around 2020.
5G promises to offer similar megabit a second speeds wirelessly as fibre cable, but there is debate on how speeds will be affected by large groups of concurrent users, as happens with present wireless technologies. “A 5G world is rapidly moving from concept to reality,” Mr Wright said.
“The earlier we start on the development and integration of the ecosystem into our current network operations, the better the outcome for our customers.”
Telstra also said it was on target to roll out its first LTE Advanced Cat 9 network in some capital CBDs by next month. This promises transmission speeds of up to 450Mb a second and is being undertaken in collaboration with Ericsson and chipmaker Qualcomm.
Users will need a compatible device for the enhanced data speeds, and Telstra said these would not be available until later this year.
The telco said it was also on target to roll out VoLTE across its 4G footprint by next month, ahead of a full launch later in the year.
