Eastlink Will Launch VoLTE Network in Northern Ontario on June 1

Eastlink is set to bring more choice to customers in Northern Ontario with the launch of its highly-anticipated VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) wireless service, beginning on June 1 for customers in the Timmins area.

The carrier will then continue its expansion to Sudbury, which will launch on July 9. In a statement, Eastlink CEO Lee Bragg said:

“We are excited to expand our wireless service into Northern Ontario. Our goal is to deliver the best possible experience for our customers.  We do that by investing in the latest network technology, providing great value for money, and by delivering customer service that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

In terms of standard phone calls, VoLTE is very similar to 3G-based phone calls. However, the next-generation wireless network brings several advantages over 3G, including clearer and more dynamic call quality, faster call initialization time, and higher retention rates (thanks to LTE data).

Eastlink’s VoLTE service will launch with iPhone compatibility, with support for Samsung handsets “coming shortly after.” Plans will starts at $30 per month for nationwide talk, text, and data. Share plans will start at $85 per month for two phone lines with 1GB of shared data, in addition to unlimited talk and text.

Eastlink is also offering to buy out your current contact from a competitor and port over your number. In addition, customers who sign up for Eastlink’s service before the service launches will get a discount of $5 per month.

[via MobileSyrup]