Originally, Telstra was going to switch on access to 4G services for its MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) customers from June 2016.
However, Telstra has today announced it has switched this capability on early, although the 8000-ton telcorilla actually gave Boost and Boost’s customers access to 4G way back in September 2015 - although it is important to note that Boost is not a Telstra Wholesale customer but one of its 'retail' customers - Boost and Telstra have a special relationship separate to Telstra's Wholesale relationships.
Of course, Telstra keeps its even faster 4GX network for itself and its direct customers, but this is to be expected, otherwise Telstra would be undercutting itself completely for no good reason.
In any case, today’s development for the customers of all those other Telstra MVNO Wholesale means they can ‘now start to enjoy 4G coverage reaching at least 92% of the Australian population with a maximum download speed of up to 100Mbps.’
Outside of 4G coverage areas, Telstra say that ‘existing Telstra Wholesale 3G coverage and speeds will be available.’
What it also means is that ‘the combined Telstra Wholesale 4G and 3G coverage footprint will reach 98.5% of the Australian population.’
More below, please read on.
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Telstra Wholesale 4G services will use a combination of 1800MHz /700MHz spectrum for coverage with 2600MHz spectrum used for additional capacity in selected areas.
Will Irving, Group Executive Telstra Wholesale said: “We know many of our MVNO customers are keen to have the opportunity to offer 4G services on Australia’s leading mobile network, so we are pleased to have the next evolution of our wholesale offer ready ahead of schedule.”
Over the past four weeks, Telstra says its Wholesale division ‘has been working with its MVNO customers who have signed the relevant contracts to progressively enable 4G on existing 3G services.’
As a result, AldiMobile Powered by Medion, Woolworths, Telechoice and Better Life are now providing 4G services to their own end customers.