Telstra Next G jumping to 21Mbps in 2008

Telstra has revealed that it will be increasing the speeds of its Next G network to 21Mbps by the end of this year -- creating what it claims will be the fastest mobile service in the world.

The speed bump will increase speeds by around one third, from Next G's current theoretical top of 14.4Mbps. Telstra said the upgrade is scheduled to go live in 2008 but declined to provide further details on timing.

The telco also revealed that it expects to step up Next G speeds once again in 2009, to a theoretical maximum downlink of 42Mbps.

However, despite the increase in network speeds, users will be unable to take advantage of the top speeds straight away due to the lack of compatible devices -- most phones currently offer a downlink ceiling of 7.2Mbps.

A Telstra spokesperson said that the telco is "certainly looking at new devices" for the higher speed network.

"The devices are still limited. The freeway has been built but the cars aren't ready to go on it. It's a bit of a turnaround from a few years ago."

The spokesperson added that users may still see a jump in speed -- due to the increase in network capacity.