TELUS to launch 4G LTE in Canada in 1st H 2012

   LTE technology supports manufacturer’s rated peak download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps.

   Canadian operator TELUS has announced the plan to launch of LTE network 1st H 2012. Following field testing in 2011 and the completion of an RFP process currently underway, construction on TELUS' LTE network will begin in the latter half of 2011 in major urban markets across Canada. 

   Telus – the country’s third-largest operator – said that construction of the new network will begin in the latter half of 2011 in “major urban markets” across Canada. It will initially operate on
the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum (1700/2100MHz) that the operator purchased for C$882 million (US$918 million) at auction three years ago.

   The launch of LTE over 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum is the first stage in the upgrade to LTE. While services offered in 2012 will begin the evolution to LTE in major urban centres, the completion of the rollout into rural Canada will be dependent on the Industry Canada auction of frequencies in the 700 MHz band. 700 MHz wireless spectrum is to be auctioned in 2012.

   “It will be critical for the Federal Government to enable an equitable opportunity for Telus to acquire 700MHz spectrum in the auction planned for late 2012 to support our plans to expand availability of 4G+ LTE wireless service to rural markets,” said Telus CEO Darren Entwistle ,