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Videotron on new network: “We are pressing ahead… in order to start it up this summer”

By on August 11, 2010 at 8:44am in Mobile News, Vidéotron News

Quebecor Inc. reported their Q2 2010 results and they state that Videotron activated a whopping 1,700 handsets. Seems low because they’ve been putting all their efforts into building out their new 3G+ network. In a press release today Pierre Karl Péladeau, President & CEO of Quebecor said “We are pressing ahead with the build-out of the Advanced Wireless Services (“AWS”) network in order to start it up this summer. As of June 30, 2010, all switching services and platforms were installed and operational. Siting and tower-sharing agreements had been signed for more than 95% of the antenna sites and the equipment was installed or being installed at all those sites. We remain focused on our promise to deliver a superior customer experience by rolling out a reliable, effective wireless network”.

All sounds good, but it’ll be better when they actually launch. A few days ago we were tipped that the launch will happen “early September”. Taking what’s stated above “to start it up this summer” would mean the last possible date their new 3G+ network would go live is on September 21st (last day of Summer), only 6 weeks away. So everything seems to be falling into place!

Source: Quebecor

Related posts:

  1. “Videotron is pressing ahead with its advanced wireless services network project”
  2. Videotron targets Summer 2010 for new network launch
  3. Videotron AWS network launch delayed until Fall
  4. Vidéotron commits $1 billion to build own network

Discussion

6 comments for “Videotron on new network: “We are pressing ahead… in order to start it up this summer””

  1. Let’s speculate,

    Verizon will, as per the rumors, get an iPhone 4 version for their AWS LTE network by january. I also read on multiple forum and trustable site that the current iPhone 4 may be “software upgradable” for the 1700mhz band. I’m really eager to see when everything will fall in place.

    I’m currently living in quebec and at home I’m Videotorn all across the board, TV, Home Phone, Internet. I’m still on prepaid with Virgin Mobile waiting since a year now for Videotron to launch their 3G Network. Let’s wait another month!! And maybe until January to make the switch!

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    Posted by vinius | August 11, 2010, 8:57 am
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  2. @vinius I think your wrong. The AWS 3G+ networks built by Videotron is using 1700/2100 MHz frequencies like T-Mobile in US and it’s using SIM-card to authenticate the customers.
    (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Wireless_Services)

    Verizon is using a CDMA 3G+ network and I don’t think an LTE network will be ready for the iPhone 4 by January. If the iPhone 4 come to Verizon in January, that would be a CDMA phone like every other Verizon phone.

    Verizon Wireless 2010/2011 roadmap:
    “Verizon LTE Roadmap: 75% US Coverage by April 2012‎”

    I hope that Videotron is going to sell at least one great smartphone … let’s say that the T-Mobile-version of the Google Nexus One will be a great start.

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    Posted by Mathieu | August 11, 2010, 9:20 am
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  3. Wooops mixed up Verizon and T-Mobile. Your Right Mathieu. Well there is some credible source also saying that T-Mobile will probably get the iPhone 4 with only a software update. Apple is well known for hiding some stuff and “unlocked” it down the road but I would say that some really techies would have find out by how. Well I keep faith we never know!!

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    Posted by Vinius | August 11, 2010, 10:06 am
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  4. Videotron is launch in Montreal, Bell is offering big discount in Montreal, Public just started to offer service in Montreal and Chatr is launching in Montreal soon …. What an exciting city!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0

    Posted by Breeze | August 11, 2010, 2:48 pm
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  5. Videotron has one thing going against them that they can’t change; AWS offerings when it comes to high end smartphones is slim pickings.

    No iPhone, not many high end Android offerings, and last on the latest high end Blackberries.

    The only way Videotron can really counter this is with:
    1. Aggressive marketing (Ads, ads, ads! Make the public associate their above average internet/cable service, albeit a bit pricey*)
    2. Aggressive wireless plan offerings + combos/package offers to existing customers subscribed to other services meaning Large/Unlimited voice/data pools coupled with no made up fees and include voicemail/caller id/etc as standard features with all packages.
    3. Offer Tabbed repayment (similar to Koodo and Virgin) of hardware subsidies (Not like they have much choice given the new Bill 60 law that practically enforces ETF to be proportional to how much of the hardware subsidy is left to pay)
    4. Look South of the border at T-Mobile, look at all the best handsets they offer (albeit a bit limited) and get ALL OF THEM. Every single Android, Blackberry, etc phone available. The “We don’t need many just a few GOOD devices mantra” used by WIND is worthless. People want choice. Boast having some of the best handsets and people will come.

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    Posted by Sined | August 11, 2010, 2:48 pm
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  6. I’ve heard that the CDMA chips Apple have ordered would be for a Verizon iPad … which make more sense since there is no agreement between Apple and AT&T on the iPad.

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    Posted by Mathieu | August 11, 2010, 2:49 pm
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