Recently there has been buzz around 4G network technology, and HSPA+ Dual Cell technology. Let’s talk about Dual Cell technology, its impact to business and how it fits with the mobile network evolution.

Dual Cell technology essentially doubles the capacity of our network.  It offers twice the speed of HSPA+ by using advanced multiplexing techniques to combine two wireless data carriers into a single carrier. This carrier operates at manufacturer-rated speeds of up to 21 Mb/s each, with combined manufacturer-rated downlink speeds of up to 42 Mb/s. Dual Cell provides an improvement in performance and network experience for consumers on the Dual Cell network including those with existing 3G devices. Ultimately this means less likelihood of network congestion, lower latency and improved download speeds for all.

This network improvement is of particular benefit to businesses that are using portable WiFi devices or are using Android 2.2 devices as a hot spot enabling a connection for multiple WiFi devices.  Even with as many as 4 or 5 users sharing one data connection, the improved speeds will mean a fast internet experience for each device.

Now let’s switch gears and talk about how mobile technology has evolved and what the future holds. A few decades ago, the internet was a revolution that put every business on the global map. The next big step forward was internet on-the-go via mobile devices such as Smartphone, which has been evolving since, both in terms of speed and reliability.

We started mobile data with what’s defined as the “2G” or second generation. Data speeds were low and the network supported capability for activities like text-based email. During the 2G era, Smartphones like BlackBerry and Palm started coming to market.

Then the network evolved to 3G - third generation - that truly let people use the internet and applications on the go. Speeds were higher, with user experience closer to DSL speeds. This expanded the eCommerse market and allowed businesses to stay connected to their staff and their customers anywhere, anytime. Smartphones have become a must for the business. Mobile internet helps make flexible work possible.

The 4G - fourth generation - evolution brings mobile internet to a level offered by broadband. In rural markets, mobile technology has surpassed wire line technology by offering speeds that go beyond dial-up, DSL, and even broadband. The fastest commercially available mobile download speeds with new HSPA+ Dual Cell technology is 42 mbps – about 1000 times faster than 2G.

This 4G evolution converge network experience offered from the wire line and wireless. Video conferencing, high definition multimedia streaming, Web conferencing and cloud computing are now possible on the mobile devices.

The question left is where do we go from here and how do we see the network evolving. There are several technology paths available and LTE – Long Term Evolution - is one that’s been in the forefront. LTE would allow speeds of 100 mbps. It’s early to predict on how these super speeds with be used to run new applications. We will certainly see one connection powering several concurrent applications and data sharing. Personally I have never experienced network that’s too fast for me. The goalpost will shift and we surely see continued increase in business connectivity.

Mobile Network Evolution Roadmap

What part of your business could benefit from faster speeds?

Shishir has been with TELUS for more than 3 years with extensive experience in mobile networks, international roaming and complex IP-based solutions.