TORONTO – It’s been in the testing phase for a while, but Bell Canada today unveiled Bell Mobility’s new leading-edge mobile data network, EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), “the fastest mobile data network ever commercialized,” says the company.
The technology is the third generation (3G) of wireless networks and delivers data at download rates of up to 2.4Mbps, more than five times faster than anything else in Canada.
"The future of wireless is here today – EV-DO will fuel the next phase of wireless growth and provide Canadians with highly advanced next generation services not previously available," said Robert Odendaal, president of Bell Mobility and BDI. "With Bell’s new network, we are changing the way Canadians use their wireless devices for work or play. Customers can only get this from Bell."
Bell’s new network allows for streaming video, high-speed surfing and one megabyte file downloads in 20 seconds or less, with an average speed that varies between 400kbps – 700kbps. This new speed means EV-DO will deliver a new generation of wireless data solutions as well as fuel the speed and potential for current tools like e-mail, file downloads, instant messaging, and games.
In tandem with today’s announcement, Bell launched the first three EV-DO compatible hardware devices including:
* Kyocera Passport. A next-generation EV-DO PC card for wireless broadband on the go, providing high-speed data access up to 2.4 Mbps
* BlackBerry 7130e. Offers complete BlackBerry functionality including phone, wireless ‘push’ e-mail, Internet, text messaging, organizer and data applications on Bell’s powerful EV-DO network. The BlackBerry 7130e also allows users to connect laptops to the Internet by using the device as a tethered modem.
* Samsung a920. Offers consumers the first EV-DO handset in Canada. The Samsung a920 has a built-in MP3 player and stereo speakers with external MP3 player keys on its cover. It enables full track music downloads using an embedded application from Bell Mobility.
"The productivity gains from this new 3G network are significant. From file downloads to video-conferencing, the busy mobile executive now has constant real-time access to the people and information they need, no matter where they are,” said Jim Jaques, senior vice-president, business marketing and sales, Bell Mobility.
Bell EV-DO will be available in Toronto and Montreal immediately with plans to roll out across Canada beginning next year.
