5G coverage the result of Telstra's upgrades in Bendigo

Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said people with 4G devices in the vicinity of the new 5G coverage would also benefit from the works, with improved network capacity and speeds.

Epsom, Ascot, Jackass Flat, White Hills, East Bendigo and Long Gully were among the first Bendigo suburbs in which the upgrades were installed.

More are coming online, with 5G installed in Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square earlier this month.

Mr Tinker said Bendigo was among the first cities in Australia to have access to 5G connectivity.

The network was initially rolled out in 10 cities - all the capitals, plus Launceston and Toowoomba.

Telstra plans to make 5G available in selected areas of 35 Australian cities by June 2020.

Bendigo is among a number of regional Victorian cities with 5G coverage, including Ballarat, Geelong, Wodonga and Warrnambool.

Mr Tinker said the roll-out in Bendigo was ongoing. He said Telstra would continue to plan and provide customers with updates about works on its network.

"With the first 5G sites on air, customers in Bendigo have a chance to be part of that cutting edge," Mr Tinker said.

People need a 5G enabled device, coverage, and 5G as part of their plan to use the network.

Increased capacity and speed were among the benefits of 5G, Mr Tinker said.

He said mobile coverage in central Victoria was very good, in general terms.

Asked about areas in which there might be gaps, Mr Tinker said connectivity issues could sometimes be related to people's devices. He said there were ways to legally improve coverage and reception.

The 3G network's days are numbered, with Telstra planning to decommission the service in 2024.

Mr Tinker said there weren't too many areas in central Victoria relying solely on 3G coverage.

Be.Bendigo chief executive Dennis Bice said greater capacity, response times and speed would no doubt assist businesses in the development of innovation in the digital economy.