Telstra – in association with Ericsson — is preparing a technology roadmap to expand 4G and plans for 5G network.

The additional investment in Telstra’s network transformation plan is expected to deliver better mobile network experience to consumers and businesses in Australia. Ericsson will support Telstra with5G-ready radio, virtualised core and next generation transport to enhance revenue streams.

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Ericsson Radio System solutions will extend 5G-like characteristics into 4G domain as Telstra’s 4G mobile infrastructure evolves beyond gigabit speeds.

Telstra 4G supports connected things through Australia’s only dual NB-IoT (Narrowband-Internet of Things) and Cat-M1 enabled IoT network, and delivers the LTE-Broadcast to meet the ever-increasing demand for data and high-quality video streaming.

Ericsson and Telstra are building virtualisation capabilities that will support both the growth in 4G services and the introduction of 5G functions as network software.

Telstra’s optical network infrastructure will be updated through the supply of equipment from Ciena.

Telstra and Ericsson conducted Australia’s first 5G field trial in 2016 the world’s first 5G data call over 26GHz mmWave radiofrequency spectrum in 2017, and joint interoperability testing of the new 5G Non-Stand Alone (NSA) standard between Ericsson, Qualcomm and other global operators.

Emilio Romeo, head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand and Mike Wright, Telstra’s Group Managing Director, Networks, were instrumental in announcing the new development.