Sierra Wireless, a provider of hardware, software, and connected services for mobile lifestyles and machine-to-machine communications, has stated that they will be supporting the launch of Telstra's (News - Alert) first-in-the-world dual-channel HSPA+ network in Australia with some of their fastest modems.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 312U wireless USB modem is marketed as the Telstra’s Ultimate USB modem. It helps Australians who are working at client locations, at airports, or who need on-the-go access to the Internet and online apps at speeds typically reserved for office environments.

The AirCard 312U Modem is the first modem supporting speeds of up to 42 Mbps. It operates on Dual Carrier HSPA+ networks, offering the fastest carrier speeds to date. Dual-channel HSPA+ doubles the speeds of current HSPA+ networks from a peak downlink of 21 megabits per second (Mbps) to 42 Mbps, at the same time improving network efficiency and providing a better experience for customers with more consistent network performance.

Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) has claimed that they will also be supporting the Telstra launch with their expanded wireless module lineup as well. The company recently introduced the AirPrime MC8801, as well as the AirPrime MC8704 and MC8705 intelligent embedded modules for HSPA+ networks, to support manufacturers incorporating wireless connectivity into a variety of devices, including notebook, netbook, tablet computers and connected consumer electronics products like personal navigation devices and home or enterprise-class routers.

Designed for wireless mobile computing, mobile consumer and networking devices, Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series intelligent embedded modules are based on the PCI (News - Alert) Express MiniCard standard with a USB 2.0 interface. They are designed to work with EV-DO Rev A, HSPA or HSPA+ networks. The AirPrime MC8801 provides wide-area wireless data access on the fastest HSPA networks in the world, enabling speeds up to 42Mbps on the downlink. The AirPrime MC8704 and MC8705 HSPA+ embedded modules enable users to expand their product development into applications requiring higher bandwidth. They take advantage of the fastest mobile broadband networks available worldwide and include support for Qualcomm's (News - Alert) gpsOne technology.

Mike Wright, Executive Director of Telstra Networks & Access Technologies has said that new speeds have the potential to increase how and where their small and large business customers work – boosting productivity in the process. Their customers have said that they want higher speed mobile broadband so they can work more flexibly outside of the office and they are delighted to offer them these new speeds.

Jin Pak, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific at Sierra Wireless added that once again Telstra is leading the world in rolling out the latest HSPA+ technology, and they're thrilled to be the first to provide customers in Australia with products that enable them to take full advantage of the network's capabilities. Being first with wireless USB modems benefits their embedded customers as well. Manufacturers looking to provide the capabilities of the new AirCard 312U inside their devices can be confident that Sierra Wireless embedded modules deliver a tested, reliable solution for the best possible performance.

Nathesh is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nathesh's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Beecher Tuttle