Bell to Launch Canada’s First 700MHz LTE Network in Hamilton

With Industry Canada confirming it has been paid $5.27 billion for the sale of 700MHz spectrum licenses, carriers have been quick to roll out networks, specifically Bell.

According to an internal Bell memo, MobileSyrup reports the carrier has debuted its 700MHz LTE network in Hamilton, Ontario as of yesterday:

The first rollout, across most of Hamilton Mountain, will use C spectrum, a paired 6×6 Mhz block that most Bell smartphones are already compatible with. Users are unlikely to see any explicit changes to LTE speeds, but where the spectrum is deployed, most will notice better signal quality in basements, elevators and in buildings with thick concrete walls.

The beauty of the 700MHz spectrum is its extended range which means fewer cell towers and better coverage for rural areas.

Bell goes on to mention 98% of existing smart devices are compatible with 700Mhz, but a small number of smartphones and LTE sticks are not, such as the following:

Sierra Wireless data card (AC763S)
Netgear Hub (MBR1516)
Sony Xperia SP (C5306)
Sony Xperia Z (C6616)
Blackberry Z30
Samsung Ativ S (SGH-T899M)

Industry Canada gets paid on April 2 and Bell implements their first 700MHz spectrum on April 3—now that’s fast. As for Rogers, company said yesterday it will roll out its 700MHz spectrum later this year.

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