Canadian communications carrier Telus has scored a hat trick-- three goals in a single game—with its broadband wireless expansion program that it hopes will win over Canadian customers against competitors Bell Canada and Rogers.

 

Telus has switched on its new 3G+ HSPA wireless network, launched a hot new iPhone (News - Alert) model for its subscribers and has introduced new, simple wireless, extra-free-minimized billing.

 

The new network cover 1.1 million square kilometers, or 700,000 square miles, of Canada with one of what it says is one of the world’s most advanced wireless networks. The service will offer Internet data speeds of up to 21Mbs: to put this in perspective your standard home service, depending on package, ranges from 1.5 to 15 Mbs.

 

The new network makes it easier for Telus to extend broadband into even more rural areas by putting up towers. It is running this new network out over its existing wireless grid by adding antennas to already-standing cell antenna supports. Telus’s work is challenging in that its service territory covers some of the most rugged and remote terrain in North America, ranging from steep glacier-topped mountains to windswept islands and peninsulas.

 

There are more capabilities on the way for Telus’s wireless network. The 3G+plus design ensures a smoother transition to long term evolution, or “LTE (News - Alert),” technology, the emerging worldwide 4G standard that will permit IP-based video among other benefits, as it becomes available.

 

Just like competing media partner to share facilities like printers to shave costs, Telus has done likewise with Bell Canada (News - Alert). It has entered into a network sharing agreement with Bell which builds on and enhances arrangements in place since 2001.This allows Telus to lower the cost, increase the speed of the build-out and gives it the ability to offer the widest national coverage for HSPA, using existing 1900 MHz and 850MHz spectrum, in the shortest time possible.

 

And after a comprehensive review process, Telus has selected Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei (News - Alert) to provide the equipment for its new next generation wireless network.

 

The 3G+ enhancement to the Telus mobile network offers further choice for its customers. It complements the firm’s existing wireless portfolio that includes CDMA, providing access to its 3G wireless network and Mike, its Push-to-Talk network and business service.  TELUS (News - Alert) plans to support its CDMA and Mike – iDEN – customers for the foreseeable future, providing TELUS customers the full choice of wireless solutions that best suits their needs. Current CDMA networks continue, serving more than 11 million Canadians.

 

“This technology evolution is a win for Canadian consumers,” Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO, said. “Telus’s investment in next generation wireless services will give our clients more wireless functionality including international roaming, fast network speeds and a compelling selection of globally-compatible handsets and devices. As the next evolution in our multi-network strategy, this initiative will position Telus to actively participate in the future global LTE eco-system and leverage economies of scale, offer timely access to handsets, and enhance global roaming relationships and revenues.”

 

To run on this new network Telus has taken to the ice with the iPhone 3GS, which it says is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet. And there will be more new cool phones for the new network out in time for Christmas.

 

A fast new network and great phones need an equally user-friendly set of rate plans.  Telus has made the game easier to play with Clear Choice, a greatly simplified array of plans that will have no system access fees or carrier 911. Telus will be inviting customers to move to its new plans without penalty or contract extensions.

 

“Clear and simple is at the heart of Telus’s brand promise, the future is friendly,” Entwistle said. “Nobody likes surprises. We are listening to Canadians, who have told us wireless pricing can be confusing. With the Telus Clear Choice plans, the price you see is the price you pay.”