Australian telco Telstra has switched on it's first 4G LTE base stations in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane. 4G LTE data has been sent over the network for the first time outside of field trials.

“The integration of 4G technology into our existing wireless network demonstrates Telstra’s intention to continue to deliver high quality services and meet ever-growing customer demand,” said Mike Wright, executive director Telstra Networks & Access Technologies.

Telstra announced in February this year it would upgrade its existing Next G® network with LTE technology in the central business districts of all capital cities and selected regional centres by the end of 2011.

Eighty per cent of Telstra’s mobile customers have migrated to the Next G® network enabling the reuse of the 1800MHz spectrum previously used to deliver 2G mobile services.

By the end of 2011 when the initial 4G LTE network has been deployed, Telstra will sell dual mode LTE/HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that will operate seamlessly across the 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum bands, giving Telstra customers the benefits of 4G where it is available and seamless switchover to 3G HSPA technology across the expansive Next G® footprint.

Telstra is partnering with Ericsson to roll-out the LTE network, with Sierra Wireless developing the dual mode mobile broadband devices.