Telstra just turned on “the first precinct of 5G-enabled wifi hotspots in the world”.

Telstra’s group managing director of networks Mike Wright made the surprise announcement tonight. He said Gold Coast locals and visitors can enjoy free broadband while Telstra evaluates 5G technology.

Telstra will use the connectivity via its recently opened 5G Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast to power a series of wifi hotspots on Scarborough and Nerang Streets in Southport as well as a 5G Connected Car.

“We have said we intend to lead on 5G and with these 5G-enabled wifi hotspots Australian consumers will be among the first people in the world to try the technology,” Wright said.

“Taking 5G technology out of a lab and into the hands of consumers is another key milestone on Telstra’s roadmap to offering 5G services in 2019.”

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