Telstra launches world’s first HSPA+ Dual Carrier network

In a world first, Telstra today announced it had completed the upgrade of its Next G™ HSPA+ network with Dual Carrier technology and unveiled the first wireless broadband device to capitalise on the new record-breaking speeds.

Telstra CEO David Thodey said the growing demand for wireless broadband services meant mobile carriers faced the challenge of creating smart networks that matched the growing demands of smart devices.

“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,” Mr Thodey said.

HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology allows Telstra to send and receive wireless data using two channels simultaneously providing peak network downlink speeds of 42Mbps. Actual customer download speeds are always lower than the peak network speeds.

The Sierra Wireless device unveiled today goes on sale in Australia later this year and Telstra expects customers using the device will experience typical speeds in selected locations around double those seen with the fastest 3G devices available in Australia today.

“With HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology we expect to offer speeds that are comparable to the initial speeds we have seen reported from some fledgling 4G LTE networks,” Mr Thodey said. “Put simply HSPA+ Dual Carrier will give Australians the bandwidth to operate their wireless devices at consistently high speeds.”

Mr Thodey also confirmed plans to continue to expand the Telstra Next G" mobile network to offer even faster speeds in the years ahead.

“While LTE remains on Telstra’s technology roadmap there is a huge amount of potential remaining in HSPA+. We will take full advantage of this by again doubling our peak network speeds to 84Mbps through the implementation of HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology during 2011,” Mr Thodey said.

HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology will require new compatible devices and these are expected to come to market in 2011. Typical customer speeds and availability for HSPA+ Dual Carrier plus MIMO technology will be advised closer to launch.

The upgrade of Telstra’s network to HSPA+ Dual Carrier was achieved in conjunction with network partner Ericsson, with Qualcomm and Sierra Wireless joining the team to deliver a HSPA+ Dual Carrier chipset and device. This is the same team that delivered the world’s first HSPA+ network and device at last year’s Mobile World Congress.

Ericsson President and CEO Mr Hans Vestberg said: “Ericssoncongratulates Telstra in achieving the milestone of the world’s first 42Mbps HSPA Dual Carrier network. Mobile broadband is transforming the way people communicate and Australian userswill soon be able to enjoy the many benefits of ultra-fast performance in their everyday lives.”

Qualcomm Chairman and CEO Dr Paul Jacobs said: “Telstra’s Next G network illustrates the power of evolved HSPA technology and has become a showcase for other operators launching high-speed HSPA+ networks around the world. We congratulate Telstra on blazing a new trail with its HSPA+ Dual Carrier upgrade.”

Sierra Wireless CEO Mr Jason Cohenour said: “We have had the privilege of collaborating with Telstra many times over the past several years in pushing wireless technology forward and improving the wireless broadband experience for customers. With the launch of Dual Carrier HSPA+, Telstra once again leads the world in providing a new level of wireless broadband experience, and we are happy to support the rollout of the higher speed service with our market leading AirCard 312U USB modem and other devices that will leverage the new network capabilities.”

EXPERIENCE HSPA+ DUAL CARRIER AT MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2010

You can experience HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology at selected locations at this year’s Congress.

* GSMA stand located in Hall 8
* Ericsson stand located in Hall 6
* Qualcomm stand located in Hall 8