Telstra expands 5G range from 15km to 100km in world-first achievement

Telstra has announced a world-first achievement on its 5G network – the successful completion of a 5G data call over a range of 100km – dramatically extending the range from 15km.

Telstra achieved this milestone in Burra in South Australia in collaboration with its network partner Ericsson.

The announcement was made by Telstra at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The improvement was achieved thanks to a new software feature that extends maximum cell range from 15km to 100km.

This improvement will allow Telstra to expand the reach of its 5G Massive MIMO AAS radios to even more rural and remote areas and deliver 5G speeds and services to even more customers.

This new development will not work in areas limited by terrain and other obstructions but areas that have clear line of site to the antenna on an enabled site will be able to establish connections up to 100km away.

For Telstra it means more 5G coverage in more places.

“We have a responsibility to deliver the very best connectivity to regional customers including the benefits and the experience of 5G,” says Nikos Katinakis, Telstra Group Executive Global Network and Technology.

“We’re working hard and making sure we invest in the world’s best technology to make sure all Australians have access to the largest and most reliable network now and in the future.

“This world first achievement is just one of the ways we are committed to improving coverage over time.”

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, says: “Once again Telstra and Ericsson are leading the industry to extend the reach of new mobile technologies.

“This milestone is another example of how we’re innovating to deliver connectivity to more Australians.”

* Stephen Fenech travelled to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as a guest of Oppo