SaskTel today announced that it will launch its LTE (Long Term Evolution) network in late 2012.
“LTE technology will significantly improve the customer experience and will provide our customers with data speeds of up to 5 times faster than our existing 4G network,” said Bill Boyd, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “SaskTel has a solid technology evolution plan that will ensure Saskatchewan residents continue to benefit from the most advanced wireless technology available. The initial LTE phones will be compatible with the 4G network and will seamlessly transmit voice over the 4G network and data over LTE until LTE is set up for both voice and data.”
The first phase of its LTE deployment will start in the fall of 2012 and cover Regina and Saskatoon as well as surrounding areas. Deployment to other urban areas as well as rural areas will start in 2013 “based on the demand for incremental data services.” SaskTel also expects to deploy LTE for voice in 2013.