Telstra today unveiled plans to release the fastest mobile broadband modem in the world, capable of reaching peak network downlink speeds of 21 megabits per second (Mbps).

Trials of the enhanced HSPA (eHSPA) modem will begin in December, with a full commercial launch to follow in early 2009.

Telstra claims the eHSPA wireless modem will be almost three times faster than the fastest wireless broadband devices currently available.

In addition to announcing the new wireless modem, Telstra also confirmed that its Next G network will be upgraded to support 21Mbps capability by the end of 2008.

“The new technology will unlock opportunities for many of our customers by bridging the gap between wired and wireless broadband connectivity”, said Mike Wright, Telstra’s executive director of wireless engineering and operations. “We have developed the world’s fastest mobile broadband device which will push the speed barrier to levels not seen anywhere else on Earth.”

Telstra claims the eHSPA upgrade will mean the Next G network remains the most advanced national mobile network on the planet.

Telstra originally launched the Next G network in late 2006, with peak network speeds of 3.6Mbps.