Australians to get 4G mobile phones by end of month, with faster speeds

The Nokia Lumia 900 4G mobile is one of the phones being considered by Telstra as it prepares to launch 4G. Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS will be among the first in the world to try out the 4G mobile phone innovation, with the first phones set to arrive previously the end of the month.

Technology and mobile analyst Foad Fadaghi, of Telsyte, said consumers could expect similar prices to 3G plans nevertheless with higher data allowances.

Meanwhile 3G service prices will become cheaper, although the slower network will remain the workhorse for phone calls until the 4G network is more widely established and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls replace the current system.

However, it's bad news for iPhone fans. Apple is but to create a 4G-capable phone - even the iPhone 4S has a maximum download speed of 14.4MB.

Range of technologies including the then

"They are checking out a range of technologies including the then and there generation in mobile tablets, connected home devices and 4G smartphones," a Telstra spokeswoman said

Telstra already has tested its 4G network with USB devices for computers, nevertheless when phones enter areas not covered by the network they will slip back to 3G systems.