4G. Vancouver. Rogers. 2-2010.

The 4G momentum is building around the continent folks as Rogers in Canada has announced today plans to launch their 4G LTE network in Vancouver by February of 2010!  Also of interest is the merging of Rogers 3 different internet services: cable internet/3G/Portable internet.  How will that play out?  

First on the list is Rogers’ 4G LTE network

• Developement is ahead of schedule and slated to launch in Vancouver and cover the surround area by February 2010 just in time for the 2010 Olympics.
• 4G service will launch with a USB device.  Currently they don’t have any 4G handsets slated to debut at the same time as the network launch…(slight bummer).  However, by the end of 2010, a few 4G handsets will start popping up.
• During 2010 expect the 4G coverage to expand outside of Vancouver into more markets
• So far, tests have shown transfer rates of 50mbps without any “optimization’.  Because of that, Rogers is aiming for 70mbps on launch day.
• 4G rollout’s main goal is to be much smoother than the botched 3G rollout and mass chaos that previously ensued. 

Besides 4G networks and handsets, Rogers has some other nifty news.  Apparently Rogers’ cable business is jam packed with people to the point that is almost at capacity.  However, they also realize the need to provide more conent for their customers so in order to lighten the load and streamline operations are deciding to merge their 3 divisions: cable internet, 3G, and portable internet.  At first the transition and mergers will be at a snails pace as their equally packed 3G network can’t handle the extra load.  However by Q3 2010 they are confident that their 4G network will be stable enough to offset some of that added load.  Once the 4G network is operational, Rogers is planing on moving their cable internet network over to their LTE network in order to make more room for all of those new HD channels that they are bringing to market.

Natrually, to avoid an apocalyptic meltdown of their various networks their progress and move will be slow, staggered, and steady.  Wouldn’t want half the country of Canada going digitally dark now would you?  Also further down the pipeline are dual-network modems (cable & 4G).  Their goal with these are to make the transition from cable to 4G networks a slow but progressive one with the ultimate goal of again moving everything to 4G and keeping the ‘ol cable laying around in times of emergancy.

So there ya go Rogers customers.  The next few years are going to be busy busy busy.  Let us know how it goes in the meantime.
Source: Boy Genius