Telstra’s commitment to servicing and investing in the communication needs of rural, regional and remote Queenslanders has been unwavering for more than a century.
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, it is more important than ever to ensure that these communities have access to reliable digital tools and resources necessary for growth and success. The agricultural landscape in Queensland has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, and farmers are increasingly turning to digital technologies to help them stay ahead of the curve.
In the future, connected technologies and services will provide the foundation for our economy and society and telecommunications is central to this. There is so much opportunity in the digital enablement in our regions and agriculture sector. Strong regional and remote communities are vital to Australia’s success. To provide this, Telstra is striving to not only provide mobile and fixed infrastructure that keeps up with demand. They want high quality digital infrastructure such as LEO satellites to position Australia as a world leading digital economy.
QFF and Telstra have had a long-standing relationship aimed at supporting Queensland farmers and regional agribusinesses with their telecommunications, digital technology and connectivity needs.
We are pleased to provide this update on behalf of Telstra.
Five years of 5G
February 2023 marked an important milestone for Telstra, with five years having passed since the first call was made using 5G. Now, Telstra are preparing to launch a world first that will help them extend 5G coverage for some of their rural and regional customers. The new software was recently used to complete a 100km long range 5G data call with the software enabling the extension of maximum cell range for data calls from 15km to 100km. Learn more here.
Digital agriculture in Australia
Telstra’s contribution to the future of farming in Australia through digital technology and telecommunications was highlighted when Telstra’s CEO addressed the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year. In her speech, Vicki Brady highlighted Telstra’s role in delivering what will become Australia’s first commercially viable ‘hands-free’ farm and the strong case study this presents for digital agriculture. Telstra’s commitment to innovating to give farmers connectivity options through a mix of mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) networks, satellites, and complementary technologies was also showcased, including how they’re partnering to ensure on-farm connectivity is accessible to all – even where their network doesn’t reach. We encourage you to read Vicki’s speech here.
Telstra Go Repeaters – an offer for QFF members
In 2018, Telstra launched Telstra Go Repeaters – an intelligent antenna solution designed to improve mobile coverage or provide coverage in some places where it’s unavailable. The device was developed as part of Telstra’s investment in mobile coverage for regional customers, and can help improve voice quality and data speeds for both residential and business customers. There is a range of Telstra Go Repeater’s available, and through their partnership with QFF, Telstra are offering QFF peak body members, and their members, a product discount on three of their network extension devices. For more information, visit the Telstra section at https://www.qff.org.au/our-partners/.