Telstra finally gets Wi-Fi modem
- — 05 October, 2010 11:55
Telstra has launched its Pre-Paid Mobile Wi-Fi modem, which will compete with Vodafone's Pocket WiFi modem and Virgin Mobile's Wi-Fi modem.
The portable Wi-Fi hotspot can connect up to five devices simultaneously and is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms. It is the first Wi-Fi modem available through Telstra; both Vodafone and Virgin Mobile have similar devices on the market. Unlike Telstra's Ultimate USB modem, which is capable of theoretical speeds of up to 42Mbps, the Wi-Fi modem is a 7.2Mbps device. Telstra says a similar wireless device capable of 21Mbps speeds should launch in early 2011.
The Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Wi-Fi modem will sell for $149 on a Telstra prepaid data plan, and will officially be available in Telstra stores on 26 October. A starter pack will include 5GB of data with a 90-day expiry period.
Telstra also unveiled a new Elite Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband modem ($129) and announced its prepaid mobile Christmas line-up. Among the new smartphones to hit the shelves by the end of October are the Nokia C6 ($299), Nokia C5 ($199), the LG Craze ($149), the Samsung S5510 ($129) and the Samsung Galaxy 5 ($199). The Galaxy 5 is a Telstra exclusive and the cheapest Android-powered smartphone to launch in Australia.
