Telstra announced a 4G USB dongle that can connect up to five WiFi devices. The device is available with prepaid 4G plans.
The device is different than other 4G Wi-Fi hotspots, which are usually separate devices that only provide a connection via Wi-Fi and must be charged like a mobile phone. When connected to a computer by USB, the Telstra dongle provides a 4G connection to the computer and acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot while using power from the connected computer.
The dongle can also be charged using an included AC adapter or another USB-compatible power source.
4G in Australia: The state of the nation
Telstra is targeting the new dongle at “people who work out of the office and have multiple devices that need Internet access such as phones, tablets and laptops,” according to Telstra general manager of emerging mobile devices, Graeme McLindin.
The dongle costs $119 and includes 5GB of data to use in Australia over 30 days. Prepaid rates range from $20 to $180, with the more expensive plans offering more data over longer periods of time.
Telstra announced earlier this week that it had switched on its 1500th 4G base station. The telco is aiming to cover 66 per cent of Australia’s population by the end of June, an increase from 40 per cent at the beginning of this calendar year. Its first 4G site was activated in May 2011.
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