Update: Vidéotron officially announces 4G network expansion plans (download speeds to reach 42 mbps)

It used to be having a 3G+ wireless network was cool but now 4G is all the rage these days. This transition is mainly due to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and how they changed their standards of what a “4G” network is. Recently TELUS, Bell and MTS all shifted towards branding their networks as 4G. Bell and TELUS’ network both have the ability to reach download speeds of 42 megabits per second (Mbps). MTS currently only has the capacity to reach 21 Mbps.

This brings us to Vidéotron. They launched their anticipated 3G+ network back in in September 9th, 2010 that reached peak download speeds of 21 mbps. In their press release that day they stated that “The network will eventually rev up to lightning-fast mobile speeds of up to 42 mbps, thanks to Dual-Carrier HSPA+ technology.”

Good news today as we’ve been informed that in a few hours Vidéotron will officially announce plans to shift towards a 4G network and launch HSPA+ Dual Cell technology that reaches “lightning-fast” download speeds of 42 megabits. No word on an exact date yet but everything is looking up in Quebec.

Update: A press release just went out that states that “Videotron will begin offering its first HSPA+ smartphone and an Internet key with a maximum speed of 42 mbps in spring 2011, allowing businesses and consumers to take advantage of the full potential of its 4G network.”

Videotron 4G: Québec’s most fibre-optic-connected network

Montréal, March 9, 2011 — Videotron today announced that its mobile network, already the most fibre-optic-connected network in Québec, is evolving towards 4G. The upgrade is possible because the network uses the latest telecommunications technology. Videotron is also planning a number of other developments for the spring, among them the roll-out of services in Saguenay and Gatineau, and the addition of new devices to its product line-up, including its first tablet computer.

“Our 4G network is one of the most powerful and upgradable networks in Québec,” said Robert Dépatie, President & CEO of Videotron. “Moreover, the fact that more than 90% of our antennas are linked by fibre optics to our wired network gives our customers the full benefit of technological convergence. Examples include multi-screen pause and resume, remote programming of the customer’s personal video recorder (PVR), and voice mail to email.”

Ongoing evolution since launch
Since it launched its mobile services in September 2010, Videotron has been steadily developing its offerings by implementing the latest technological advances.

For example, Videotron has already introduced Direct Tunnel technology, which sends mobile data over the network by the most direct route, reducing the latency delay on the network and thereby optimizing the effectiveness of data transmission. Videotron is currently conducting testing for the implementation of HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology, which will enable its network to support mobile speeds of up to 42 mbps. Videotron will begin offering its first HSPA+ smartphone and an Internet key with a maximum speed of 42 mbps in spring 2011, allowing businesses and consumers to take advantage of the full potential of its 4G network.

The technological upgrades are consistent with the evolutionary process endorsed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for granting a mobile network 4G designation.

Eventful spring ahead
Videotron will also roll out its mobile services to two new markets in the spring, Saguenay in April and Gatineau in late May. In the coming months, Videotron will begin carrying its first tablet computer, expanding its multiplatform offering to a fourth screen. The move is consistent with Videotron’s vision for its mobile services as an integral part of the new media and technology landscape and a driver of economic, cultural and social development.

“The fact that our mobile network is based on an extensive wired network with more than 25,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable makes it that much more powerful,” said Robert Dépatie. “For us, the most important thing is that this technology, which is constantly evolving, sets us apart in the marketplace and enables us to offer our customers more, especially when it comes to multiplatform content.”