The Sierra Wireless AirCard 312U wireless USB modem, first demonstrated at Mobile World Congress in February, is now commercially available in Australia, marketed as the Telstra Ultimate USB modem.
With it, Australians working at client locations, at airports, or on their commute home can access the Internet and online applications at speeds typically reserved for office environments.
Dual-channel HSPA+ doubles the speeds of current HSPA+ networks from a peak downlink of 21 megabits per second (Mbps) to 42 Mbps, at the same time improving network efficiency and providing a better experience for customers with more consistent network performance. Customers using a Telstra Ultimate USB modem in enabled coverage areas will experience real-world download speeds up to 20 Mbps.
“The new speeds have the potential to increase how and where our small and large business customers work, boosting productivity in the process,” said Mike Wright, executive director, Telstra Networks and Access Technologies. “Our customers have told us that they want higher speed mobile broadband so they can work more flexibly outside of the office and we are delighted to offer them these new speeds.”
In addition to announcing the commercial launch of the AirCard 312U, Sierra Wireless has introduced the AirPrime MC8801, as well as the AirPrime MC8704 and MC8705 intelligent embedded modules for HSPA+ networks, to support manufacturers incorporating wireless connectivity into a variety of devices, including notebook, netbook, and tablet computers; connected consumer electronics products like personal navigation devices; and home or enterprise-class routers.
“Once again, Telstra is leading the world in rolling out the latest HSPA+ technology, and we’re thrilled to be the first to provide customers in Australia with products that enable them to take full advantage of the network’s capabilities,” said Jin Pak, vice president of sales, Asia Pacific, for Sierra Wireless. “Being first with wireless USB modems benefits our embedded customers as well. Manufacturers looking to provide the capabilities of the new AirCard 312U inside their devices can be confident that Sierra Wireless embedded modules deliver a tested, reliable solution for the best possible performance.”