Since 2004 both Telstra and Hutchinson have been operated a mutual network sharing deal for their 3G networks. The joint venture gave customers of both the 3 and Telstra networks access to 3G connectivity as long as either a 3 or Telstra network was in range. The combined network was called the 3GIS network and was an enterprising move, as in 2004 3G was an new technology and network coverage was extremely limited.
TPG, the broadband and telco service provider was today fined $2M for misleading consumers about the total cost of the Unlimited ADSL2+ package. TPG have spent far more on marketing the service than the fine is worth so it is not a huge hit to them but it is a significant marketing ruling.
Amidst a flurry of legal battles and cries of copyright infringement Paramount movies are set to become available for rental over YouTube for users in the US and Canada. While video streaming services are hardly a new thing in North America this is still another example of society’s gradual but inexorable shift towards digital downloadable media.
Continuing on with its slow-but-steady 4G adoption, Telstra has announced a new 4G mobile hotspot device. The new gadget receives 4G Telstra speeds in LTE enabled areas and can push that super-fast mobile broadband connection out to a maximum of 5 devices with WiFi capabilities.
From today Telstra is offering pre-paid 4G LTE deals on both its new Samsung Galaxy 8.9 4G tablet and on 4G LTE Telstra USB modems. We’ve already touched on the Tablet side of things in our last post, so head on over to that if you want to check it out. For those who’re interested in a pre-paid 4G USB modem stick around.
Until December 15th Telstra is running what it is calling its best ever broadband deal. For just $78 per month new bundle customers in Sydney and Melbourne BigPond Cable areas can sign up to the Telstra Complete Home Saver 200GB Bundle. So the key points on this deal:
Telstra has announced the Enterprise and Business launch of its new Telstra 4G LTE Network. Come the 29th of August two thousand pioneer USB modems will be made available to Telstra Business customers. This new product is to be named the Telstra USB 4G and will run on both 4G LTE and 4G HSPA, utilising both the 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum bands. This means that anywhere where customers do not have 4G support Telstra’s 3G HSPA network should still be available.
Vodafone’s Infinite Plans have been some of the better mobile phone deals in the Australian mobile market since November last year. Unfortunately for Vodafone customers, however, the carrier originally inexplicably removed the ability to freely tether internet through your phone and to another device like a laptop or tablet. That’s all changed now with Vodafone allowing customers to use their included data on any device they can tether with.
Vodafone Hutchison Australia is planning to replace their entire wireless network during the next 18 months. Despite the obvious connotations (that Vodafone has realised it needs a massive infrastructure overhaul to stay in the game due to its recent lawsuits and bevy of customer complaints) Vodafone maintains that this move has been in the works for over 12 months now.
Telstra has announced their plan for a 2011 rollout of a new LTE “4G” network. LTE (meaning Long-Term Evolution) is a wireless technology that has recently become extremely popular in the US and offers transfer rates of up to 60mbs, that’s over seven times the speed most of Australia’s current 3G wireless network.