TORONTO – Saying it makes the company the fastest wireless carrier in Canada, Rogers Wireless today launched high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) technology – its next generation voice and data network.
Available for now throughout Ontario’s "Golden Horseshoe", the debut of HSDPA places the company among the first operators in the world to deploy this latest evolution of GSM, the dominant global standard for mobile wireless communications with over two billion users worldwide, says the company.
HSDPA is a 3.5G protocol for mobile data transmission that, says the release, "significantly improves data transfer rates, enabling network users to download data at speeds faster than competitive alternatives" (that would be everyone else’s EVDO networks).
Customers within the HSDPA network coverage area will be able to experience wireless Internet access at broadband speeds.
Access to the Rogers’ service is through the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860, which plugs into laptop computers and is also compatible with EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks.
"For mobile workers, HSDPA is the great equalizer," said John Boynton, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer, Rogers Wireless. "Whether you’re in the office or on the road will no longer dictate how fast you can access your data. From now on, wireless subscribers can enjoy high-speed mobile Internet and multimedia downloads at speeds previously possible only on a wired connection."
The HSDPA network will be rolled out to other large Canadian markets throughout 2007 and will include the introduction of HSDPA-enabled phones and other new applications.
To help customers manage notebook PC data connectivity, Rogers also debuted the Rogers Intelligent Connection Manager. This free new software application allows users to manage their network data connection options – including HSDPA, EDGE, company LANs, designated Wi-Fi hotspots, or cable/DSL – and easily switch back and forth between available services.
HSDPA service is now available throughout the Golden Horseshoe region from Oshawa to Niagara Falls, including the Greater Toronto Area, (Brampton, Burloak, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Mississauga, North York, Oshawa, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Newmarket, Markham, St. Catharines, Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, Niagara Falls).
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 is available from Rogers for $49.99 with a three year term or $349.99 with a one or two year term. Existing data price plans apply.
