Rogers has begun 3.5G wireless voice and data service based on the HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) upgrade to GSM technology. The footprint covers Canada’s Golden Horseshoe – an area that hugs the western shore of Lake Ontario and includes Toronto.
HSDPA networks are capable of data transmission speeds of either 1.8 Mbps or 3.6 Mbps, over twice as fast as previous wireless data networks.
Subscribers will need a Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 from Sierra Wireless in order to access Rogers’ network with their computers. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 is available from Rogers at an introductory price of $49.99 with a three-year term, or $349.99 with a one- or two-year term. That’s in addition to the fees for the data service.
Rogers said it will continue to expand its HSDPA network coverage to other top Canadian markets throughout 2007. The rollout will include the introduction of HSDPA-enabled phones and new applications as well as improved customer experiences on current applications offered by Rogers Wireless.