Rogers announced that their Long Term Evolution (LTE) network will get the green light in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa by the end of 2011, then another 25 markets in 2012. This will bring peak download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps. Today, Rogers stated that LTE will go live in Ottawa this Summer and they will also launch a Sierra Wireless Rocket Stick (AirCard 313U). The cost is actually decent at $169.99 no term and $79.99 on a 3-year.
There has not been a LTE coverage map released but Rogers states that when you are out of the coverage area ‘the LTE Rocket stick will ‘fall back’ to 4G HSPA+ (up to 21 Mbps*) outside of the Rogers LTE footprint. If outside of both LTE and 4G HSPA+, it will ‘fall back’ to EDGE; so you’ll remain connected on the Rogers wireless network”. In addition, no monthly data plans have been announced yet.
John Boynton, Rogers EVP & CMO, said “We’re thrilled to be first in bringing this world class technology to our customers. Ottawa has always been a hotbed for innovation, making it the ideal city to launch our LTE network in Canada”. This should put the pressure on Bell to launch their LTE network as they stated they would be first.
More here at Rogers
