VANCOUVER – Independent telecom provider ABC Communications is partnering with Huawei Canada in an effort to bring high speed Internet to customers in Lac La Hache, located in the province’s Cariboo region.
The trial will use Huawei’s rural broadband technology, known as Massive MIMO Rural Broadband System, to deliver speeds of up to 100 Mbps to rural residents, more than double of what is currently available.
Developed largely by Huawei's Canada Research Centre team over the last decade, Massive MIMO antenna equipment can simultaneously receive and transmit more than one data signal, meaning one Massive MIMO antenna can operate at the same efficiency and effectiveness as multiple antennas, reads the news release. It also utilizes beamforming technology, which improves the connection range.
ABC Communications said that the technology will help small operators to remain competitive.
"ABC Communications is excited to launch trials to deliver much faster internet speeds to the people of Lac La Hache," said CEO Bob Allen, in the release. "Providing our customers with reliable service is our top priority. I am thrilled to showcase Huawei's Massive MIMO rural broadband systems and the tremendous positive impact this technology will have on the future services we deliver to our valued customers."
"Huawei Canada is pleased to partner with ABC Communications to test and deploy advanced equipment technology that can deliver high-speed internet to rural communities," added Huawei Technologies CEO Eric Li. "Huawei is proud to provide a solution to this unique Canadian challenge."
Based in Quesnel, ABC Communications said that its private network includes over 175 broadband broadcast sites across the province, and that its fibre backbone links more than 30 cities to centres in Vancouver and Prince George.
