TPG Telecom has upgraded its fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) network becoming first major telco in Australia to launch G.Fast technology
G. Fast technology enables superfast download speeds of up to one gigabit per second (1000Mbps) across its fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) network. The upgrade makes good on a promise made late last year to be “a more robust competitor to NBN Co”.
First approved in 2014, G.Fast is a network standard designed for short local loops.
TPGs current fibre optic network is installed in many metro apartment buildings in Australia, enabling Ultrafast typical evening speed of 90Mbps.
The telco said it’s FTTB services are now “up to 10 times faster” than similar FTTB services offered by NBN Co.
Adtran, Inc, a leading global provider of open, disaggregated networking and communications equipment is the DSLAM vendor that TPG Telecom is using for their G.Fast FTTB services.
The launch of new speed tiers across TPG Telecom’s wholesale networks follows a recent decision by the ACCC to accept an undertaking that will see the telco continue to functionally separate its wholesale and retail arms for the supply of superfast broadband services.
The undertaking comes into effect in October 2022 and provides TPG with greater flexibility to expand its fixed line footprint and supports the company’s competitive strategy to continue growing in the Australian market.
Plans & Speed Options
For the first 12 months, wholesale customers will receive a 15% cashback that will last for the lifetime of active service.
Two speed options can be purchased by customers with the new G.Fast upgrade, now available in 2000+ buildings across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT covering 230,000+ buildings.
The two plans Include:
1. 250Mbps download / 50Mbps upload
2. Max (up to 990Mbps) download / 50Mbps upload
G.Fast tariffs will consist of a monthly charge for unlimited downloads, with no excess backhaul charges.
The telco is also planning higher speed tiers on its VDSL and cable networks.
TPG Telecom group executive for wholesale, enterprise and government Jonathan Rutherford said the company has plans to upgrade its footprint in South Australia and Western Australia, bringing its service to more than 2,500 buildings next year.
“The launch of G.Fast is an important part of TPG Telecom’s on-net strategy to increase the capability of our broadband assets and to get more customers onto our own infrastructure.”
“This is allowing us to connect more homes and businesses with innovative technology solutions to help consumers and businesses thrive in the digital world,” Mr Rutherford said
Rutherford was appointed Group Executive Wholesale, Enterprise and Government in December 2021. Having joined TPG Telecom in July 2021.
“The service offers some of the fastest broadband speeds available in Australia today,” said Mr Rutherford.
“We also have a straight-forward pricing structure, which means it is easier than ever to deliver superfast broadband to customers,” he said
In 2018 NBN Co announced that it would deploy G.fast services in future FTTC and FTTB deployments and at one point targeted G.Fast technology to make parts of its fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC) footprint gigabit-enabled.
