TELUS speeds things up in Quebec

Faster speeds on Canada’s most powerful coast-to-coast wireless network make accessing data while on-the-go even easier

Montreal, QC – TELUS today announced the availability of faster speeds on its wireless high speed EVDO network throughout Quebec, including more than a dozen cities such as Granby, Laval, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec City, Rimouski, Saguenay and Sherbrooke. Building upon the EVDO network launched in late 2005, TELUS has upgraded to EVDO Rev A service in the province, making it even faster for clients to access data at broadband-like speeds while on-the-go. The speed improvement is part of TELUS’ more than $100 million investment in delivering its clients access to EVDO, Canada’s fastest coast-to-coast 3G wireless network.

“By uniting the broadband-like download speed of our wireless high-speed service with the newest wireless devices, TELUS is providing clients with the most powerful mobile data and entertainment solutions available,” said Stéphane Dubreuil, TELUS senior vice-president of Consumer Solutions in Quebec. “Today’s announcement is part of TELUS’ commitment to making it simple for consumers and businesses to stay connected for ultimate productivity and entertainment on the go.”

The EVDO Rev A upgrade enables clients to experience upload speeds that are seven times faster than previous EVDO service with typical upload speeds of approximately 300 to 400 kilobits per second with a maximum possible upload speed of 1.8 megabits per second. The service also offers enhanced typical download speeds of approximately 450 to 800 kilobits per second to a maximum possible speed of 3.1 megabits per second.

The speed increases announced today make it even faster for clients to share large data files such as pictures and provide a better experience for streaming services.

TELUS wireless high speed (EVDO Rev A) now reaches more than 60 per cent of Canadians with service also available throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Winnipeg and Montreal. When traveling in the United States, clients can roam onto EVDO Rev A networks in 242 major metropolitan areas.

EVDO Rev A data products
TELUS has a variety of EVDO Rev A data devices available now and in the near future. All products will operate throughout the full EVDO coverage area and are “backward compatible” with the 1X data network, which offers coverage to 94 per cent of Canadians, when outside the EVDO coverage area.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595: The AirCard 595 fits a standard Type II PC Card slot on portable computing devices and is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and MAC OSX operating systems. Clients who have already purchased the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 in preparation for the launch of EVDO Rev A require a simple, free software upgrade available online at telusmobility.com/on/business_solutions/sierra_wireless_aircard_595.shtml to access the service. In the near future all devices available in-store will be EVDO Rev A enabled out of the box. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 is available from TELUS retail locations across Canada for as low as $99.99 on a three-year contract subject to promotional requirements until August 6, or $349.99 with no contract.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U USB Modem: The AirCard 595U USB Modem fits a standard USB slot on portable computing devices and is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and MAC OSX operating systems. The 595U can also connect to fixed computers, with its docking cradle and USB cable, allowing an alternative to clients without a PC card slot, and ease of movement between multiple computers. The AirCard 595U USB Modem offers excellent reception, speed and durability thanks to its high-performance fixed antenna design with receive diversity. The AirCard 595U USB Modem includes a battery which provides extra power for maximum performance in fringe network areas. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U is available for as low as $99.99 on a three-year contract subject to promotional requirements, or $349.99 without a contract.

Sierra Wireless MP 595 GPS: This highly rugged in-vehicle modem provides access to data while on-the-go and features a 12-channel GPS module and four digital plus four analog input/output ports to allow for advanced tracking and alarms. Tough as nails, the MP meets U.S. Military and SAE specifications making it ideal for industries such as police, fire, rescue, transport, military, and utility field service. The MP 595 GPS is available through special order.

Panasonic notebooks CF-19 and CF-30: To support convenient mobile-computing, the Panasonic CF19 and CF30 ruggedized notebooks will offer embedded modems. Both Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are built to exceed military standards and are encased in a full magnesium alloy case (20x stronger than ABS plastic) which protects the display and components from vibration and shock. Panasonic Canada has been the leading name in ruggedized notebooks in Canada for more than 10 years. For more information visit www.panasonic.ca.