Residents of some of Canada's biggest cities are now sitting on near-LTE speeds thanks to
Rogers' continued rollout of 21Mbps HSPA+, a technology it proudly boasts is "replacing 3.5G" and stands a fighting chance of offering real-life double-digit speeds. That's pretty amazing when you consider that a lot of people are still using 768kbps or 1.5Mbps DSL lines in their homes -- ten years ago, we doubt anyone would've predicted that practical wireless speeds would be running neck-and-neck with some of the fastest wireline broadband ISPs have to offer -- but we're certainly not complaining. In addition to Toronto, service is now available in Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal, with a new modem cutely named HSPA+ Rocket coming to take advantage of those speeds on the 28th of the month. Interested parties can preorder now, though: $199.99 or $74.99 on a two-year data contract.
[Via
Howard Chui]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick @ Sep 17th 2009 4:27PM
just 5 mins ago, a Rogers rep told me it may get pushed back to mid-late October.
TouchMe @ Sep 19th 2009 10:44AM
Probably only because they want you to buy the slower 7.2Mbps stick now. The new stick is probably going to be the same cost and have the same data plans as the old stick so they've gotta clear out all that inventory.
KO @ Sep 17th 2009 4:47PM
With almost any operator, but especially with Rogers, I really wonder what the speeds are in reality. In Toronto, Rogers' 7Mbps HSPA is pretty good at best, and non-existent at worst. Just last night, 3G seemed to be down for an hour in downtown Toronto not just on my phone but everyone I talked with (3 ppl), and only had EDGE.
Natsume @ Sep 17th 2009 10:48PM
Not sure if it's limited to certain phones, but I'm on a BlackBerry 9000 here and I've been experiencing GREAT 3G speeds since I got this device when it first came out back in August.
Only thing is, I've replaced it about 20 times because something is always going wrong (screen whiteness quality, occasional bricking, microphone echo/feedback).
Other than that, a day FULL of using e-mail on 3G, making phone calls and all while using bluetooth for 12 hours straight, this guy is still running until I get home, where usually on the way to, I'm playing poker instead of eying the battery icon. (I use the Motorola S9 and SE HBH-DS205 back and forth, depending if I'm in the car or at school)
Also talked with some tier two data technical support representatives and said sim cards and certain devices (BlackBerry BOLD included, and already updated by last spring's OS update) released since last Fall are able to surf on this 21+Mbps network.
I have been seeing faster speeds in getting websites like Engadget Mobile in less than 5 seconds, completely loaded, as opposed to waiting at least a good 15 seconds before I really see anything.. and this is starting from the end of July.
I'm grabbing a Touch Pro 2 from Telstra, already loaded with the 21+Mbps radio tweak from their stock OS, so I'm hoping I'm able to use the same here in Canada.
TP2s are getting cheaper on eBay. Around 600-800 CAD which is the usual price of the Touch HD, but now you can get the Touch Pro 2.
Boycott AT&T of their Touch Pro 2 for 'redesigning' the NORMAL, original keyboard layout. Get the original layout from Telstra AND get a device that works in the US/Canada.
Freddy2Fred @ Sep 17th 2009 11:28PM
dAM YOU GUYS WITH THE 21Mbps... ATT should merge with Rogers.... you think that can happend and then we have the speed like Rogers? I envy you guys with that speed :)
OhNice @ Sep 18th 2009 12:57AM
My buddy is using the HSPA 7.2Mbps rocket stick and from what I've seen, it's great. The only thing to worry about is the rocket stick is unlike the wired internet, it has limited usage. I think it's great to use it for email and all that. But if you are downloading things a lot, stick with home internet.
TerrorX @ Sep 23rd 2009 11:00AM
I have one of the rogers branded Ovation MC950D mobile broadband sticks and it is suppose to get 7.2mbps speeds, so far the max throughput i have seen was 4.3mbps. I also have a Blackberry Bold. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. when Rogers rolls out HSPA+ in my area will i just have to upgrade my firmware and os for this to work on both devices? As far as i knew i could not even reach 7.2hspa on my bold...
I have noticed that my rocket stick(as rogers calls it) hate window live messanger and completly refuses to sign me in. in the time i have had it which has been close to a year i may have been able to get on once or twice. That and i find if it stays in a computer and it is connected it will lock the computer up completly only allowing me to move my curser around.