HSDPA broadband debuts in Canada
updated 02:25 pm EST, Thu November 2, 2006
HSDPA Broadband in Canada
Canadian media company Rogers said today that it will introduce the first HSDPA mobile Internet network in Canada. Beginning with coverage primarily in the greater Toronto area and extending as far as Oshawa and Niagara, Rogers subscribers can connect to the country's first 3.5G wireless network as of November 24th. The company also announced that its first compatible device will be the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860, a PC Card adapter for laptops that can connect at HSDPA's 3.6Mbps theoretical maximum speed and is backwards-compatible with the slower EDGE and GPRS standards. The 860 will appear at the same time as the service and will be available for $50 CDN with a three-year contract, or $350 for shorter plans. Cellphones and other computer adapters should become available as the network expands in 2007, Rogers says. HSDPA is already available in the US, but only in a small number of Cingular service areas.
