Telstra rolls out 4G services capped at 100Mbps for MVNO partners

Telstra has begun rolling out its 4G mobile network for its MVNO partners ahead of schedule. Australia’s largest telco said a number of mobile virtual network operators, including Aldi Mobile, Telechoice, Better life and Woolworths, started providing 4G services on Friday. There’s a speed cap, though.

The rollout was originally announced to start “no later than June 2016.” Telstra has delivered its promise and started a couple of days before May begins.

“We know many of our MVNO customers are keen to have the opportunity to offer 4G services on Australia’s leading mobile network, so we are pleased to have the next evolution of our wholesale offer ready ahead of schedule,” Will Irving, Group Executive Telsta Wholesale, said.

The coverage will be delivered over the 1800MHz and 700 MHz spectrum bands, with 2600MHz spectrum coverage in selected areas. Peak download speeds for Telstra 4G MVNO customers are capped at 100 Mbps, however. The telco’s Voice over LTE service, or also known as 4G voice, is not available in the package as well.

“In line with other features, we will assess the need for VoLTE as part of our regular product reviews,” a rep for the company explained to iTnews. “Telstra Wholesale seeks to offer a product that is competitive in the wholesale market place. We believe a 100 Mbps cap is consistent with this aim.”

Telstra released its VoLTE services and its first 4G LTE Advanced Cat 11 device in September last year.

Its rival telcos have provided their MVNOs with 4G services for more than two years. Optus’ 4G Plus network is utilised by Zen Connect, Vaya, iPrimus and Live Connected among others.

Meanwhile, Telstra is accused of being involved in a mobile billing “scam” by customers who complained being charged unknowingly by third party companies. The third party billing is legal but “very, very dodgy,” and includes customers clicking a link or an ad on their screen without knowing that they are already being charged for it. As a response, Telstra said it would be implementing a “double opt-in process.”

Read more: Telstra accused of third party billing ‘scam’ that charges customers hidden costs