3 get access to Next G

[ResLo]

I hope that Telstra customers get preferential access to the network..

Mobile phone/broadband provider 3 has struck a deal to get access to Telstra's much admired NextG network. The deal, which would give 3 access to "parts" of Telstra's network, will expand its coverage to 96% of the population, it said. The roaming agreement will be in place by Q2 next year, and will allow 3 customers to access full 3G services (including streaming video), unlike existing 2G roaming that only allows basic services such as phone calls and SMS. 3 also claims to have negotiated lower wholesale rates, which should provide hope for 3 customers currently playing an exorbitant $1.65/MB for data when roaming. 3 plans to supplement the new roaming agreement by expanding its own network into popular regional areas such as Newcastle and the Mornington Peninsula. But there is one complication with the deal, which is the unusual 850Mhz frequency of NextG, which differs from 3's own network running at 2100Mhz. Most handsets and broadband modems currently being used on 3 will not be able to access the new roaming areas, which would mean customers would need to upgrade their hardware

[rec]

ResLo I hope that Telstra customers get preferential access to the network..

Always have and always will. You think people who stay with Telstra if they could get the exact same priority and performance with a cheaper provider? They can't afford to lose the reputation for the widest and fastest network - it would be financial suicide, because it's the only reason people stick with them.

[ResLo]

Damn straight.

[insidious]

i expect it will be similar to some of their other roaming agreements where they only get access where there is competitors GSM

96% of the population is the east coast and capital cities anyway, still not going to be a good network

[UnSCaRReD]

Interestingly, if this applies to mobile broadband as well, then 3s offerings in that respect will become increasingly more attractive.

[jabsy]

UnSCaRReD if this applies to mobile broadband as well

Extremely doubtful....

Tel$tra are greedy, not stupid. They make so much more on the roaming there's no way it would happen.

[RakeR]

Like roaming overseas, 3 will charge their customers a per MB rate to roam on Telstra's network outside of 3's 2100Mhz coverage.

The 96% will include everywhere that Telstra GSM is now. Meaning all the areas they get now under the existing roaming agreement.

[Nemesis]

IMO you wont be able to sign up for a 3 account and think you're going to get Telstra coverage any cheaper. It might be fine when you're in major capital cities on 3's 2100Mhz spectrum but expect to pay through both nostrils for roaming data when utilising NextG. (As opposed to paying through just one directly with Telstra)