SaskTel launches HSPA

Saskatchewan full-service operator SaskTel launched its commercial HSPA+ mobile network, covering Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Yorkton, Swift Warman, Hepburn Current, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Buffalo Pound, White City, Melville, Dalmeny, Martensville, Waldheim and most connecting highways, TeleGeography CommsUpdate reported.

When the network is complete in 2011, it will be available to 98 percent of the population of the province, said Bill Boyd, Minister Responsible for SaskTel.

The 3.5G network, also referred to as 3G+ will allow SaskTel customers to enjoy download speeds approximately four times faster than on the company’s existing CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev A network, with the initial implementation of HSPA+ technology offering a theoretical maximum throughput of 21Mbps (downlink)/5.8Mbps (upload).