Telstra switches on low-band 5G for increased coverage

Telstra today announced it switched on its low-band 5G network for consumer use, complementing its existing sub 6 5G network. The move will help increase Telstra's 5G coverage bringing it to harder to reach places, such as indoors, as well as expand its range. In testing, Telstra says it has achieved a 5G data session over distances exceeding 80km.

While 5G is used as a catch-all term for next generation connectivity, there are actually three different kinds of 5G that work across different frequency groups: low-band, sub 6, and mmWave.

Low-band 5G is built on frequencies under 1Ghz. In the case of Telstra, it is repurposing the 850MHz spectrum it currently uses for 3G. A Telstra spokesperson confirmed that the telco will continue to offer 3G services on the 850MHz spectrum until June 2024, but will progressively convert 3G to 4G and 5G as 3G traffic declines. Telstra also plans to deploy low-band 5G on the 700MHz spectrum.

Low-band 5G has a much wider range than either mmWave or sub 6 5G, and is far more effective indoors. The trade-off, however, is speed. Based on what we've seen in the US, low-band 5G should offer performance similar to 4G, but a little bit better. This means we'll probably see speeds between 50 to 250Mbps, depending on conditions. Low-band 5G should still support more simultaneous connections than a 4G network on the same spectrum and offer improved latency, and provide efficiency improvements on the telco side.

Sub 6 5G, also known as mid-band 5G runs on frequencies similar to what 4G networks use now, albeit on the higher end of the spectrum. Telstra is using 3.5GHz for its 5G network. Sub 6 5G isn't as fast as mmWave - you're going to struggle to pass 1Gbps - but you get more coverage per tower. Sub 6 5G can work indoors, but can still have trouble passing through walls. Australian 5G networks currently rely on Sub 6 5G.

Lastly, mmWave 5G uses extremely high frequencies starting from 26GHz. While mmWave is the fastest 5G technology - potentially reaching speeds over 4Gbps, it has the shortest range and can have issues penetrating buildings. No Australian 5G networks have a mmWave component. Australian telcos will be able to bid for access to mmWave spectrum in April. This means it is unlikely we'll see any mmWave 5G connectivity in Australia until late this year or early 2022.

To take advantage of low-band 5G on Telstra, you'll need a device that supports the frequency. Based on their spec sheets, the Galaxy S21 family and iPhone 12 family are compatible with low-band 5G on the 850MHz spectrum, but from what we understand, a firmware update may be required first.

"We are continuing to work with ecosystem partners to optimise this new 5G network capability in combination with new device software," said a Telstra spokesperson.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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