Australian mobile network service provider Telstra has certified Fibocom’s SDX62-empowered FM160-EAU module for its 5G network.

The 3GPP release 16 compliant module has been tested and verified on Telstra’s network to provide a 5G broadband service, driving the 5G adoption across industries such as FWA, security monitoring, and industrial IoT.

Broadband demand in regional and remote areas of Australia has been growing rapidly, and the FWA service is expected to cover more than 120,000 homes and business units by the end of 2024, according to Australia’s national broadband network. Meanwhile, 5G is empowered with extended capabilities as the 3GPP standard evolves, therefore, it is crucial for FWA service providers to keep up with these advancements and bring an elevated experience for end users.

The 5G sub-6GHz module is designed to provide an optimal 5G user experience with enhanced coverage, boosted throughput and increased bandwidth. It can help FWA service providers bridge the digital divide by enabling gigabit connectivity for end devices such as CPE, ODU, mobile hot spot and USB dongles.

Based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 modem chipset, the module supports NR CA (carrier aggregation), and delivers speeds of up to 3.5Gbit/s DL and 900Mbit/s UL, optimising the speed for IoT applications that require high data throughput.

In addition to hardware design, the module is packaged in an M.2 form factor and is pin-compatible with Fibocom’s FM150 release 15 module, ensuring smooth migration and reducing investment.

The FM160-EAU can provide high-precision locating service with its built-in GNSS, and allows customisation on functionalities such as digital audio, and industry-standard interfaces for the use of 5G applications.

“Validating the interoperability tests on Telstra’s mobile network and receiving the certification successfully signifies another breakthrough of Fibocom’s 5G strategy in the global market,” said Gene Santana, vice president at Fibocom. “With the implementation of 5G infrastructure in the regional market, we hope to deliver resilient, fast and secure FM160-enabled 5G FWA to the Australian market in collaboration with Telstra.”