Telstra's BigPond Elite Network Gateway is the fastest device of its kind in Australia.
Telstra yesterday launched the BigPond Elite Network Gateway, which is claimed to be the fastest device of its type in Australia.
Manufactured by NetComm, the Telstra BigPond Elite Network Gateway is aimed at users who can’t access fixed line ADSL or cable Internet services. It uses a wireless 3G HSPA+ connection over Telstra’s Next G network and provides "typical" download speeds of up to 8 megabits per second (Mbps).
The modem router has four Ethernet, allowing direct connection of PCs, and also features two USB ports to allow printers or hard drives to be shared over a network. The BigPond Elite Network Gateway has the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi technology along with standard 802.11b/g Wi-Fi.
"The new BigPond Elite Network Gateway enables users to enjoy the freedom of secure wireless high-speed Internet connectivity, without messy wires or access to fast fixed line broadband," said Jenny Wong, Executive Director Telstra Consumer.
"All that's required is power and Next G network coverage and consumers can quickly and easily access all their online must-haves, from instant messaging and email to YouTube," Young said.
The BigPond Elite Network Gateway is supposed to provide “typical real world download speeds of up to 8Mbps”, during the demonstration at the press launch in Sydney yesterday speeds of up to 11Mbps were achieved.
The BigPond Elite Network gateway works with Windows 7, XP and Vista and will support Apple Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 systems from 1 December.
Telstra sells the BigPond Elite Network Gateway for $399 outright, but the device must be paired with a new or existing BigPond broadband account — the gateway will not work with BigPond prepaid accounts, nor will it accept regular Telstra mobile phone SIM cards even if a data allowance is available. Pricing is available from the BigPond Web site.
Selected Telstra customers may also be entitled to a $200 rebate on the BigPond Elite Network Gateway, in addition to a discount on Telstra access fees for the first 12 months of a 24-month contract plan.
