Telstra's new Smart Modem has WiFi 7 and 5G backup

Telstra has debuted its fourth-generation "Smart Modem" ahead of the September NBN speed upgrades, promising faster wireless speeds and more reliable connectivity. 

The Smart Modem 4's biggest upgrade is WiFi 7, the latest, fastest wireless standard. While WiFi 7 can reach wireless speeds of over 40Gbps on tri-band routers, the Smart Modem 4 is only dual-band. Telstra has not disclosed the maximum speeds the Smart Modem 4 is capable of, but similar models cap out at 3.6Gbps. Instead, Telstra simply says the Smart Modem 4 is capable of faster speeds than the previous Smart Modem 3. 

Notably, the WAN port on the Smart Modem 4 is only 1Gbps. This means the Smart Modem 4 won't be capable of delivering the speeds promised by upcoming NBN 2000 plans, and it suggests Telstra may not be selling them. The Smart Modem 4 will still be more than fast enough for new speed tiers like NBN 500. 

Other new functionality includes 5G backup. 5G backup speeds are still limited to 25Mbps down and 5Mbps up, just like 4G backup on Telstra's older modems. 5G should offer lower latency, however. 

As with the previous Smart Modem, the Smart Modem 4 continues to work with Telstra's Smart Wi-Fi Booster 3. Telstra charges $288 for this range extender, but will send as many as three at no extra cost if needed. 

Customers who sign up to a Telstra NBN plan from today onward will get the new Smart Modem 4. The modem is free of charge, but customers who leave within their first 24 months will need to return the device or pay a $200 non-return fee. Existing Telstra NBN customers can upgrade to the Smart Modem 4 for $240. 

Telstra is now also bundling the Smart Modem 4 with its 5G home internet plans. Naturally, the 5G speed restrictions won't apply to customers who get it with a 5G internet plan. As with its NBN plans, the modem is free of charge for new customers, but the same $200 non-return fee applies. There isn't currently an upgrade path for existing Telstra 5G home internet customers to get the new modem. 

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Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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