By Claire Reilly
Australia’s first smartphone to utilise the new Telstra 4G LTE-enable mobile network will go on sale next week, with Telstra stores and retail partners the first to get their hands on the device. The HTC Velocity 4G will be available to purchase from Tuesday 24 January, with online pre-orders available from today for delivery on the same date.
The device, which was announced in 2011, features a 4.5-inch touch screen, a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and an 8 megapixel camera.
According to a spokesperson from HTC, the smartphone will allow users to “surf the mobile internet on their phones up to five times faster” when they are in 4G coverage areas.
“Customers using HTC Velocity in 4G coverage areas will enjoy typical download speeds ranging from 2Mbps to 40Mbps – up to five times faster than speeds available on Australia’s fastest 3G handsets,” the spokesperson said.
“Customers can also experience typical upload speeds of 1Mbps to 10Mbps – up to three times faster than speeds available on the fastest 3G handsets in Australia.”
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Since launching last September, Telstra 4G coverage is now available in Australia’s eight capital city CBDs (within 5 kilometres of the GPO) as well as over 80 regional and metropolitan areas. While the HTC Velocity 4G will have access to greater download and upload speeds in these areas, it “switches seamlessly onto Telstra’s fast 3G mobile network” when it is out of 4G coverage range.
The HTC Velocity 4G will be available for $0 upfront on Telstra’s $79 Freedom Connect Plan, after using Telstra’s Mobile Repayment Option (MRO) Offset, at a minimum cost of $1,896 over 24 months. Business customers can buy the handset for $0 upfront the $90 Business Mobile Advantage Member plan (with MRO Offset) for a minimum cost of $2,160 over 24 months.
The HTC Velocity 4G will be the first smartphone to utilise Telstra's 4G LTE-enabled mobile network.