Australian operator Telstra has is taking pre-orders for what it is calling the country's first 5G mobile device. The HTC 5G Hub will be available in Telstra stores from next Tuesday.
The HTC 5G hub is a 5G and 4GX (LTE-Advanced) media hotspot designed for both enterprise and consumer use.
The hotspot can support up to 20 Wi-Fi enabled devices as well as a gigabit Ethernet connection, and provides an all-day battery life.
For corporate customers, the device offers corporate VPN authentication and remote wipe capability. For the consumer segment, the device offers a voice-activated remote control for other home smart devices and media hub capabilities.
Telstra CEO Andy Penn said the launch of the device was an important milestone in the operator's transition to 5G.
“Our launch of the HTC 5G Hub is the moment 5G becomes a reality for Australian consumers. Since 2016, we have been working with some of the world’s leading technology brands to ensure Australians are among the first in the world to be able to access 5G,” he said.
“HTC has been a key partner for Telstra, innovating new technologies and driving greater connectivity for our customers. This launch of Australia’s first 5G mobile device is a testament to that partnership and we are proud to be launching it today”.
At launch, customers will be able to access 5G in selected areas of Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Towoomba, he said.
“This is just the start. The roll out of 5G coverage is ongoing and, as 5G develops, there will be more devices and more technologies to come. But this is an important step we take today, as the first Australian network to offer mobile 5G”.