Australia : Telstra launched a new ruggedised Next G handset, the Telstra 158, designed for people who work outdoors or tradespeople who need a robust phone with the features and capability of an advanced 3G wireless device.

Protected in rubber casing, the Telstra 158 handset is shock, dust and water resistant making it an ideal phone for those who need a heavy-duty reliable phone.

The sturdy handset comes with a compatible car kit, a handy belt clip and has an extended battery life. Other phone features include a larger handset face for easier calling and SMS messaging, plus video calling capability.

It incorporates a 1.3 Megapixel camera, integrated MP3 player, MMS capability, hands-free speaker, plus wireless Bluetooth technology - much more than could be found on even the most advanced CDMA handset.

"The Telstra 158 is ideally suited to customers who work in the field or outdoors and need a rugged device that can be knocked around, but still has all the sophistication, speed and coverage of the Next G" network. This robust handset is the steel capped work boot of the mobile phone world," Telstra Business Group Managing Director, Ms Deena Shiff, said.

"Telstra's own communications technicians working in the field will be getting the Telstra 158. The handset will become part of their tool kit as we expect it will stand up well to the rigours of their work environments," Ms Shiff said.

With the Telstra 158 customers can enjoy superior in-building coverage over competitor 3G services and easy 1-click advanced content and applications including access to BigPond® TV, 16 channels of FOXTEL" by Mobile, award winning BigPond Mobile content and advanced Sensis® search services such as CitySearch, WhereIs, and Trading Post.

A carkit with a directly coupled RF connection for the Telstra 158 is also available.

"The combination of handset choice and extensive national mobile coverage is proving popular with customers as they can now move to Telstra's Next G™ network with confidence. We are continuing to grow and improve our Next G™ network and have no doubt that we will meet our commitment for as good or better coverage than the aging CDMA network by mid-October this year," Ms Shiff said.

Telstra's Next G™ network was launched in October last year and covers 2 million square kilometres of Australia, compared to the CDMA network coverage footprint of 1.6 million square kilometres. It is 100 times larger than any other third generation mobile network in Australia and covers 98.8 per cent of the Australian population. The CDMA network is scheduled to close in January 2008.

The Telstra 158 retails for $649 or is available on a range of post-paid plans.  

Customers are reminded to do a 'like for like' upgrade when purchasing the Telstra 158 - ensuring that if they are using a car kit or external antenna with their CDMA.