Australia's Telstra has launched a new offering providing satellite-based small cell solutions for remote areas, and has signed on the first customer for the service.
The Mobile Satellite Small Cell product offering is designed to provide most of the benefits of Telstra's LTE-Advanced services at a lower cost.
People and organizations in remote areas will be able to use the service to extend coverage in underserved remote areas.
According to Telstra, the service can support voice, email, messaging and internet browsing but is not intended to support data-heavy applications such as video streaming or calling.
The operator is targeting the offering at local councils, tourist attractions, agricultural businesses and other organizations seeking to extend coverage where none exists.
Telstra aims to sell up to 500 satellite small cells over the next three years after having tested the technology for the last 12 months. The first two small cells will be deployed for Queensland's Winton Shire Council.
“The Telstra 4GX-lite Mobile Satellite Small Cell is a way to bridge the gap between what customers want and what is financially viable. This solution gives consumers, businesses and local councils more control over where they can get mobile coverage, making them part of the decision making process,” Telstra group managing director for networks Mike Wright said.
“We’ll continue to look for innovative ways to expand our network across the country so that all Australians can have access to the latest technology and stay connected to the things they love.”