With the recent decision by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to redefine what constitutes a 4G network to include “evolved 3G technologies providing a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed,” Canadian carriers have been hopping on the 4G bandwagon. Bell Mobility, MTS and TELUS Mobility have all recently begun to call their HSPA+ networks ‘4G.’ You can now add both SaskTel and Videotron to the list.
SaskTel today announced that its HSPA+ wireless network is now classified as 4G. SaskTel plans to offer the Novatel Wireless MC547 Mobile Internet Stick in late April to take advantage of download speeds up to 42Mpbs and upload speeds of up to 5.7Mbps.
Videotron announced yesterday that it will begin to offer HSPA+ connectivity and devices (a smartphone and Internet stick) in the spring, “allowing businesses and consumers to take advantage of the full potential of its 4G network.” Testing of the HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology is currently underway.
I wonder if Rogers will now review its stance on reserving the 4G label for its upcoming LTE network.