If you’re a Telstra Internet customer, you’re now broadcasting a free and unsecured WiFi network. You should disable it.

Yes, you read that right. Since 1 July 2016, Telstra Internet customers have been subject to broadcasting a free and unsecured WiFi network via their Telstra Broadband (NBN and ADSL) modem/router. It’s called Telstra Air. Anyone who is within range can connect to it.

Telstra admits that this reduces your bandwidth. “A portion of your home broadband bandwidth is used to create a home hotspot”. What does that mean? Well, in their words, “you may notice a small reduction in speed if you’re using your broadband service at the same time as hotspot users.”

But I didn’t agree to that!

Simply by signing up with Telstra, you have agreed to participate in the Telstra Air service. The good news is, you can turn it off.

All you need to do to opt out is log in to your Telstra account, scroll through the menu to the Telstra Air section, and select the ‘deactivate Telstra Air’ button. All done!

Actually, I’m going on holidays. Telstra Air sounds handy.

Telstra Air gives you access to hotspots throughout Australia and to more than 15 million hotspots overseas, using your home broadband allowance. Sounds good, right?

Well, maybe. Remember, it’s an open and unsecured network. That makes the hotspots easy to access but it also means your personal information won’t be protected. Even Telstra warns against sending or receiving personal information via unsecured, public WiFi. That includes logging in to online banking. With that warning in mind, you can always re-join the Telstra Air network before you go travelling and opt-out again when you return home. Telstra allows you to disconnect and reconnect to the Telstra Air once each calendar month.

But tell me…What is Telstra Air?

Telstra Air users can connect to Australia’s largest Wi-Fi network to access unlimited data using your smartphone, mobile device or laptop.

When you’re out and about, Telstra Air automatically connects you to the nearest hotspot in range via the Telstra Air App.

Telstra Air is the largest Wi-Fi network. Eligible Telstra users to use Wi-Fi data at over 1 million Telstra Air hotspots across Australia and Fon hotspots abroad.

Major projects

Yes, we can help you with one-off major infrastructure and migration projects too. If you want to find out more on our Technology risk management, Managed It Services, Medical IT, Technology strategy and Data integrity

You just need to talk to us.