Bell, Novatel team up on first 42Mbps 3G in North America
updated 03:40 pm EST, Thu November 18, 2010
Bell launching first 42Mbps 3G with Novatel modem
Bell today had the distinction of being the first carrier in North America to start up a live 42Mbps network using HSPA+ 3G. The Canadian carrier is relying on dual cell sites to get theoretical speeds twice as quick as usual HSPA+ and as much as 11Mbps for uploads. Taking a cue from Sprint's WiMAX, however, the carrier is charging $10 extra on all data plans to get the full 42Mbps speed.
Service should go live in Toronto on November 23 and should expand to the rest of the carrier's network over time.
The service will initially have one device, the Novatel Ovation MC547. Rebadged as the U547 Turbo Stick by Bell, the USB modem is a North American adaptation of the MC545 and can connect to all forms of HSPA up to the maximum 42Mbps spec. Like most current adapters, it has its own microSDHC slot to double as a flash reader.
