A sign for the future: Telstra 5G clocks a massive 3.6Gbps on a Pixel 6 Pro in Sydney

We have very good 4G networks in Australia, but now we have mmWave networks it’s time to unleash 5G. Telstra’s 5G lead and head of Technology Discovery, Paul Milford ran a real-world 5G test and clocked a whopping 3.6Gbps throughput at the company’s new mmWave site in Sydney.

The reality for most users at this point, however, is that 5G speeds won’t come close to this for a number of reasons. Primarily the mmWave technology is capable of shifting data at a speed a factor of ten times faster than other 5G bands.

Added to this is the relatively low “penetrating power” and coverage distance of the shorter wavelength. This means that it’s not suited to wide coverage as 4G is, but small areas of high-density customer need like major sporting stadiums and shopping centres.

Telstra is continuing to work on their mmWave rollout with over 65 sites already live and an expectation to nearly triple that by the end of 2021. Sadly for me, that doesn’t include any sites near me in SA but Fortitude Vally in Brisbane, Darling Harbour and the Opera House in Sydney as well as the MCG and Flinders Lane in Melbourne are live.

There will be plenty more to come from the 5G network expansions throughout Australia from all carriers. The competition will undoubtedly remain tight and the winners will be the consumers.