​Telstra turns the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot with 4GX device

Australians will be able to stay connected to the internet while taking road trips around the country and overseas with the launch of Telstra prepaid 4GX car Wi-Fi, which turns any car into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The device works by plugging into a car's USB slot or 12-volt power outlet, and up to five compatible Wi-Fi devices can be connected at any one time.

According to Telstra, connection speeds will vary depending on location, distance from base stations, terrain, and download source. The telco has said that its 4GX users can expect download speeds to be between 2Mbps and 100Mbps.

Australia's largest telco currently offers 4GX in all Australian capital cities, and selected suburbs and regional areas. The company added that it is progressively rolling the network out to more places.

Meanwhile, outside of 4GX areas, users will be switched to the company's 4G or 3G networks.

Telstra boasted that unlike other car Wi-Fi products on the market, its prepaid 4GX car Wi-Fi comes with an AC wall charger, which allows customers to use it beyond the car.

Telstra said the prepaid 4GX car Wi-Fi will be available at AU$79 RRP, and will come preloaded with 3GB of data and a 30-day expiration for use in Australia.

Users will be able to recharge the device with Telstra's prepaid mobile broadband data passes for use in Australia, with prices ranging from AU$10 for a three-day/1GB pass to AU$140 for a two-year/16GB pass. Excess data will be charged at a pay-as-you-go rate of AU$2 per MB.

Meanwhile, users will be charged AU$3 per MB on a pay-as-you-go rate for international roaming data usage, or have the option to purchase a Telstra international roaming browse plus pack starting at AU$29 for 100MB.

The 4GX network was introduced by Telstra has part of its move into the 700MHz spectrum band.

Telstra, along with Optus, acquired spectrum in the 700MHz band as part of spectrum auctions last year.