Other pages in the review
Telstra
This offering from Telstra is the only card which looks significantly different to the others tested. It’s an MM-5500C from Maxon Australia and which is far less bulky than all the other cards—there is no chunky end hanging out of the PCMCIA slot as seen with other cards; as a result it is unlikely to be leaned on and thus broken—and it won’t get in the way when packing the laptop into a carry bag (but mind the antenna if you do this).
The card does not require a SIM to be inserted and it features an external aerial and a socket for use with a high-gain plug-in antenna. Setting up connection for the card is easy but you must be within range of the Telstra network. Unlike other devices, communication with the carrier—including username and password entry—form part of the setup process. There is a four-step manual but we chose to use the automatic method which doesn’t involve messing about insisting on a reboot before you even plug the card in—everything is done at once. Afterwards the user can access an online service page which provides users with account details including usage rates and service status.
Coverage and plans
Coverage by Telstra’s EV-DO network is excellent, including many regional centres and all capitals. Telstra offers services faster than other 3G services but a little slower than the theoretical speed of iBurst and Unwired.
Telstra can naturally offer fall-back services on its GPRS network outside of EV-DO coverage—the telco has two different service speeds and the option of service limits being based on data or time. Time-based pricing looks exciting but if service is slow at your location you might not get your monies worth—it is also important to disconnect when you are not actively surfing.
Performance
Throughput speed was the second best observed, if a bit variable, with the average being 503Kbps for upload and 93Kbps for download (quoted speed: 512/64Kbps). The average latency is almost two seconds which begs the question: could speeds be even better if latency improved? In fact, we saw peak download speeds of up around 800Kbps, although scores were mainly in the 400 to 600 range. Interestingly the throughput was almost twice that recorded in similar testing by us in May.
Telstra scored well on availability which was measured at 99.8 percent. Overall, Telstra remains unbeaten in terms of coverage and is one of the best performers in terms of speed; the poor latencies observed are a minor issue. A good range of service plans are offered and overall this is an excellent product.