Telstra starts selling 4G wireless hotspot

Telstra has today launched its first 4G long-term evolution (LTE) Wi-Fi hotspot to business customers in collaboration with Sierra Wireless.

The new 4G hotspot
(Credit: Telstra)

It weighs less than 100 grams, and has up to four hours of battery life, or 100 hours on standby. Up to five devices can connect to the hotspot simultaneously.

Business customers can buy the hotspot for $99 upfront on a 24-month mobile-broadband contract priced at $29.95 per month (including 1GB) or $39.95 per month (4GB). Or they can pay $0 on a 24-month mobile-broadband contract priced at $49.95 (8GB) or $89.95 (15GB).

The device will launch for consumers next Tuesday, 27 March. Customers can purchase the hotspot next week on a range of plans, including for $49 upfront on a 24-month contract priced at $39.95 per month, with 1GB of data; $49.95 per month, with 4GB of data; or $59.95 per month, with 8GB of data.

Typical speeds for the LTE service range from 2Mbps to 40Mbps, according to Telstra. After the allowance has been used up, connection speeds will slow to 64Kbps.

Telstra has rolled the service out to capital city central business districts (defined as being a 5km radius around the general post office), as well as some airports and regional locations.

When outside of these areas, the hotspot will switch onto dual-channel HSPA+.