The race to deploy next-generation wireless network technology is on between Canada’s largest mobile operators.
George Cope, chief executive of BCE Inc., the corporate parent of Bell Mobility, said Thursday Bell will launch so-called Long-Term Evolution or LTE capabilities in certain cities before the year is over, matching plans at chief rival Rogers Communications Inc.
“Look for us to launch LTE in certain markets this year,” Mr. Cope told analysts on an earnings call.
The new technology will allow compatible mobile devices to send and receive online data several times faster than current network standards, allowing for continuous video streaming, the transfer of huge data files and other functions requiring large amounts of bandwidth.
Mr. Cope told analysts that a rural deployment of the next-generation technology “will be contingent” on Bell acquiring highly coveted radio spectrum at an upcoming auction next year. The so-called 700-Megahertz band is being vacated by over-the-air television broadcasters now, freeing the swath of airwaves up for mobile broadband services.
The 700 band is prized by carriers because it is able to travel huge distances and move through obstructions like walls more easily than higher frequencies. Ottawa is mulling over how to structure the sale and is considering portioning off some or perhaps even all of the block for new entrants like Quebec cable operator Videotron and independent startup Wind Mobile in order to boost competition.
Bell, Rogers and the third-largest incumbent are calling for an open auction with no restrictions.
Thursday’s announcement arrived as Bell reported financial results for the first quarter that met or topped earnings and revenue estimates on Bay Street.
Nadir Mohamed, CEO of Rogers, the country’s largest wireless provider, announced in late April that it would launch LTE services in the cities of Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver by the beginning of January.
Canadian operators are perhaps moving up timetables to deploy the new mobile standard as U.S. giants like AT&T and Verizon Wireless accelerate their deployments, driving development across the global industry.