Telstra launches 4G tablet and prepaid 4G mobile broadband

Telstra today launched a 4G tablet and a prepaid 4G LTE broadband modem. Until now, access to the 4G network was limited to post-paid mobile and post-paid dongle plans.

The tablet - the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G - features an 8.9″ touch screen, a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and weighs 470 g.

Warwick Bray, Executive Director, Telstra Mobile, said: “Australians are adopting mobile tablets in record numbers. [With the Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G] customers can stream HD video and music over the internet, load magazines faster and enjoy rich internet content traditionally confined to a PC screen.”

Telstra also launched what it says is Australia’s first prepaid 4G LTE product, known as the Telstra Pre-Paid USB 4G.

“With the launch of the Telstra Pre-Paid USB 4G, hundreds of thousands of Australians who rely on pay-as-you-go mobile broadband can access some of the fastest mobile internet speeds available.

“Telstra’s Pre-Paid 4G service allows customers to get connected without the need for fixed-term contracts or minimum monthly spend commitments,” Bray said.

Customers using 4G devices within 4G coverage areas can theoretically achieve download speeds of up to 40Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10Mbps. Real world figures depend on a number of factors, including distance from the mobile base station.

Availability and plans

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 and the Pre-Paid Telstra USB 4G also feature 3G dual channel HSPA+ connectivity.

Customers can purchase the Pre-Paid USB 4G for $129, which comes with 3GB of data to use in Australia with 30 days’ expiry. More information, including details on the various recharge denominations, is available at Telstra’s Pre-Paid USB 4G website.

The 16 GB model of the Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G is available at Telstra stores from today, and can be purchased outright for $720 RRP. A 32GB version will be available to purchase outright for $840 RRP.

Purchased outright, the tablets can be used with Telstra’s Pre-Paid Data+ Cap offer.

Eligible customers can sign up for a 24-month plan and pay the device off over the length of the contract. More details can be found at the company’s Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G website.

Telstra Business customers will also be able to purchase the Galaxy Tab 8.9 from 6 March and pair it with a range of Telstra Mobile Broadband Member Plans over 24 months, including Shared plans, giving business customers the ability to share unused data across eligible services on the same account while in Australia. More details can be found at the Telstra Business tablet page.