Bell to Launch HSPA+ Network in November

Bell, followed soon by Telus, will be launching their HSPA+ network in November. The new network is announced well ahead of schedule and is part of a collaboration with Telus. The new Bell network will have speeds up of to 21Mbps, rivaling current HSPA+ provider Rogers Wireless.

On the launch of the network in November, Bell will cover 93% of the Canadian population, with service being delivered in approximately 20,000 cities and towns. The new network also comes in time for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, since Bell is the Official Network of the 2010 Games.

Bell’s new HSPA+ network will be overlaid on top of Bell’s existing 1XRTT/EV-DO network and since the network is said to cover 93% of the Canadian population on launch, the network puts Bell ahead of Rogers in the HSPA+ game. Rogers just last month announced the release of their HSPA+ network, but only to five cities across Canada.

The HSPA+ network update will bring a slew of new handsets and high-speed Internet sticks for Bell customers. The network also introduces Canadians to new competition, as Rogers (and Fido) are currently the only providers of GSM/HSPA+ in Canada. New competition could deliver decreased prices and better price plans for consumers.