This week, Telus announced that it will launch their next generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in early 2012. The new wireless network will enable Canadians to enjoy faster mobile Internet speeds.
LTE technology supports manufacturer’s rated peak download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps1. This initiative is the latest technology evolution in the wireless network upgrade path made possible by the 2009 launch of our coast-to-coast HSPA+ wireless network, which today covers more than 95 per cent of the Canadian population.
Following extensive field testing in 2011, the construction of the Telus LTE network is scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2011.
The launch of LTE over 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum is the first stage in the upgrade to LTE; services offered in 2012 will begin the evolution to LTE in major urban centres. TELUS is also committed to enhancing the coverage and capacity of its wireless network by building out LTE technology extensively across rural Canada.
Like Telus, the other Canadian wireless carriers such as Rogers, Bell and WIND have been testing LTE networks as well. However, Telus is one of the few to announce an official start time.
2012 looks like it will be a good year for Telus and Telus customers. Now we just need an iPhone to support those speeds!
