Telstra and ISPT forge ahead with 5G DAS in Sydney

Telstra and ISPT are pioneering a new approach to office connectivity by introducing the next generation of high bandwidth 5G mobile connectivity to a Sydney office building.

The partnership has seen the deployment of Distributed Antenna System (DAS) technology at 477 Pitt Street in Sydney, with the aim of providing tenants with comprehensive mobile coverage, from basement to rooftop, including typically challenging areas such as lift wells.

This initiative marks a first for the Australian property sector, as ISPT's commercial tenants can now enjoy seamless mobile coverage through the new Low-Power Active DAS. This technology enables fast download speeds via Telstra 5G, supporting data-intensive tasks such as downloading large files or streaming high-quality videos.

"We've all been there - you've stepped into a lift or the basement carpark while mid-call or responding to an important email on your phone, when suddenly, the signal drops and you've hit a dead zone. It's a struggle that's been around since the dawn of mobile connectivity, and it always seems to happen at the worst times, right when you need it the most," explained Peggy Renders, Chief Customer Officer for Telstra Enterprise.

What distinguishes this DAS technology is its use of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) capacity, enhanced by the radio components within each antenna. The antennas are fibre-connected, significantly reducing interference and allowing for straightforward updates as coverage needs change.

The 477 Pitt Street building, situated in Sydney's Tech Central precinct, is the first to benefit from this innovative technology. An incubator space for startups and entrepreneurs, this building's tenants can leverage the advanced capabilities of 5G DAS for applications that demand high bandwidth and low latency, such as augmented reality and AI solutions.

Matthew Kelly, ISPT's Head of Capital Works and Technical Services, commented: "Our strategy is to utilise the very latest 5G innovation in partnership with Telstra, in combination with a number of other cutting-edge technologies to create compelling workplaces that thrive on productivity, fostering greater collaboration and efficiencies. It's all part of our unwavering commitment to providing best-in-class experiences for our tenant partners that enable their business for success."

Additional DAS buildouts are already underway, with a deployment at 3–5 National Circuit in Canberra. Plans are in place for further installations in other ISPT properties, reinforcing the company's commitment to enhancing tenant experiences with advanced technological solutions.

"At Telstra, we truly believe in the power of high-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity. By deploying this cutting-edge technology, we are not just supporting businesses - we are helping increase productivity levels and streamline efficiency, so businesses can focus on developing the next groundbreaking solutions," added Renders. "This technology is about opening doors to innovation we can only imagine right now."