Today marks the launch of the TELUS 4G LTE wireless service in 14 metropolitan areas across Canada, providing Canadians access to some of the fastest wireless speeds in the world.  In support, we address common network technology questions.

One question that many businesses ask is what is the difference between a 4G and LTE networks and devices?  To answer this, it’s important to look at how networks have evolved over the years.

The network evolution

About a year ago, I wrote a post about the network evolution and why it matters to business.  In it, I described how mobile technology has evolved over the years, starting with mobile data, defined as “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.

The network then 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 eCommerce 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.

Next came the 4G - fourth generation – an evolution that brought 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.

It’s all about speed

LTE, or Long Term Evolution is the next evolution of the 4G network and brings you closer to the wireline experience on your mobile device, providing near instant connectivity.  Faster speeds allow you to do more, right on your mobile device, such as attend or even host video conferencing sessions, download large PDF files, presentations and documents without long wait times or download and edit documents from the cloud.

There are three things that make the LTE experience better:

1. Better download speeds:  the LTE network allows for faster download speeds.  For example, average download speeds expected by HSPA+ Dual Cell is 7-14 mbps, while LTE offers 12-25 mbps.
2. Less latency:  On the LTE network, the speed in which you’re able to make a network connection – how fast it’s moving is greatly reduced.  You can do a quick ping test to understand how fast your network speed is by going to www.speedtest.net.   LTE latency is 30+ MS Milisecond vs. HSPA which 70+ MS Milisecond.
3. Better upload speeds:  the LTE network allows for faster upload speeds – theoretical speeds can reach 25 mbps vs. HSPA at 5 mbps.

These three things work together to provide a mobile experience comparable to wireline.

Here are some common questions about LTE:

• When will LTE be launched in my city? TELUS 4G LTE network services are available in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph, the Greater Toronto Area, Belleville, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and Yellowknife.  Additional 4G LTE coverage areas will be announced as service becomes available at www.telusmobility.com/4GLTE

• What happens if I travel off of the LTE network with my LTE enabled device? When traveling outside of TELUS’ 4G LTE network coverage, customers will move seamlessly from TELUS’ 4G LTE to  4G DC-HSPA+ and/or HSPA+ network and vice versa, with no disruption of service.  TELUS 4G LTE devices have a network indicator that will show ‘4G LTE’ or ‘LTE’ when in a 4G LTE coverage area.  Most indicators will show “4G” in either DC-HSPA+ or HSPA+ coverage area.  Visit the www.telusmobility.com/coverage to see interactive maps with the 4G LTE coverage area.

• Do you need an LTE or 4G device to enjoy faster speeds? In order to fully experience the faster speeds of LTE, you will need an LTE or 4G device.  A number of new LTE and 4G devices can be found here: www.telus.com/4GLTE.

In celebration of the TELUS 4G LTE announcement, TELUS wants to give YOU the chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Note.  No purchase necessary.  Contest runs February 10th to February 17th, 2012.

Update: Contest is now closed.  Thanks to all who participated!

Shishir has been with TELUS for more than 4 years with extensive experience in mobile networks, international roaming and complex IP-based solutions.