Cowra steps into a 5G future

That was the simple answer from Telstra Regional General Manager Mike Marom when the Cowra Guardian asked him why Cowra had access to 5G before much larger centres in the state.

Cowra took a huge step towards the 5G future when Telstra switched on the area's first Telstra 5G base stations last Thursday, July 16.

The introduction of the service has major advantages for Telstra customers streaming on their mobile devices not to mention the benefits for the health system especially through the use of Tele-medicine and remote surgery.

Telemedicine can be used when healthcare professionals and patients are unable to meet face to face due to geographical distances, convenience or practicality.

Cowra joins Albury-Wodonga, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Kempsey, Maitland, Newcastle, Murwillumbah, Lithgow and Port Macquarie as the first regional locations with access to the 5G network.

Mr Marom said it will not only be Cowra's Telstra customers with 5G devices who will benefit.

"It will also benefit customers with 4G devices in the vicinity of new 5G coverage," he said.

"Our intention is to provide 5G coverage for rural and regional areas as much as it for customers in metro areas."

Cowra now joins 47 centres enabled with 5G.

"Telstra has a very active role in ensuring our regional customers are getting the full benefit of 5G.

"Cowra and all regional towns in NSW, or indeed anywhere, are equally important as their metropolitan cousins."

While Telstra customers have to get 5G enabled handsets or devices to benefit from the service Mr Marom said Telstra customers in Cowra on 4G would also see an improvement in their service.

"Where we are putting in 5G we are upgrading our 4G network at the same time, customers (on 4G) will find their devices are far more efficient and potentially faster," he said.

"We're increasing bandwidth of the 4G network as we go.

For those with a 5G device Mr Marom said you should see a big difference in download speed and capacity.

"If you're watching a movie or gaming you'll find the latency will be almost negligible, you won't get buffering or systematic issues of lag, you'll be able to download at a much faster rate and enjoy it far more quickly," he said.

"Your speed could be seven times faster than what you get on a 4G device.

"Telstra has always been dedicated to connecting people in regional Australia and ensuring they are amongst the first to experience the latest mobile technology," Mr Marom said.

"It's really exciting Cowra is among the first places in Australia, indeed the world, to have access to 5G connectivity.

"Telstra has been leading the way in pioneering 5G technology with a number of world and Australian firsts - and making 5G technology available to Australian consumers.

"Now with the first 5G sites on air, customers in Cowra have a chance to be part of that cutting edge.

"For those interested in finding out more about the 5G coverage rollout and about the 5G handsets and devices available to take advantage of this new network technology, further detail can be found at telstra.com.au/5g or by talking to a team member in any Telstra store," Mr Marom said.

Because of commercial in confidence Mr Marom was unable to indicate which towns in our region are due to get the service next.