Following Hong Kong’s PCCW switching on their dual carrier 3G HSPDA+ last week, Telstra has switched on their HSPDA+ NextG system this week allowing theoretical download speeds of 42Mbps.

The service is presently available in all capital city CBD areas, selected metropolitan areas, associated airports and in more than 100 regional locations.

Telstra is quoting “typical” wireless broadband download speeds in the range of 1.Mbps to 20Mbps. They have released a new high speed modem and new business plans for this service.

Utilising dual carrier HSPDA+ 3G will serve Telstra for a number of years, while it continues testing 4G LTE system which are expected to be rolled out sometime around 2013.

For more information:-

• Telstra’s 42Mbps Next G broadband goes live – ITWire
• Telstra Unveils Ultimate Wireless USB – Gizmodo

Cell phone companies have started to barrage consumers with advertising for the next advance in wireless network technology: “4G” access. The companies are promising faster speeds and the thrill of being the first on the block to use a new acronym.

Much of this is just marketing spin to promote systems that in some cases do not even meet the 4G standard.

There’s less to 4G than meets the eye, and there’s little reason for people to scramble for it, at least for the next few years…..

Read the full original article at the Associated Press.

More information:-

• ‘4G’ technologies do not officially exist – yet – Mobile Business Breifing

Release 10 of 3GPP specifications will include LTE Advanced.

Although some wireless/cellular operators and vendors have already been using the term “4G” for their LTE and WiMAX services, the “true” specifications for 4G services developed by standards organization 3GPP  will be published in March 2011 under Release 10, according to current targets.

Read more of the original article at Total Telecom

The mobile broadband battle is hotting up, but does it really matter which technology rules the day, and is the notion of competition really just a distraction?

In mobile broadband, the temperature of debate is rising rapidly. It’s WiMAX vs. LTE vs. HSPA+, with a torrent of propaganda washing over sensible comment. Despite the cacophony of competing claims and over-promises, this “battle” is really just a chicane, one that diverts attention from critical business issues that will determine success or failure as the technologies evolve……

Read more of this article at European communications.