Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

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Bell Canada Announces Roll Out of Canada's Fastest Wireless Network (EVDO Network)
Source: Bell - Posted 48 minutes ago

http://www.itpronto.com/content/104/359.html

Bell Canada today announced it plans to roll out the fastest and most advanced wireless data network in Canada. Bell's next generation EVDO (Evolution, Data Optimized) network will deliver wireless data services up to six times faster than the fastest wireless network available in Canada today, allowing customers to download data on their mobile devices at speeds close to those of their high-speed home connections. With speeds of up to 2.4 mbps, customers will be able to use data-rich content and run applications such as e-mail, video messaging, gaming, video conferencing, telematics and streaming entertainment. Technical trials of the Bell EVDO network have begun in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the new network will roll out throughout 2005 and 2006 in major urban centres across Canada.

"Customers want a simple way to be connected, entertained and informed no matter where they are," said Michael Neuman, President of Bell Mobility and Bell Distribution Inc. "Bell's EVDO network will offer Canada's fastest wireless experience and deliver leading-edge innovation to the market. It will revolutionize the way Canadians use their mobile devices."

Wireless data is a rapidly increasing part of wireless growth and accounts for more than half of Bell's 2004 Wireless Average Revenue per User (ARPU) growth. EVDO provides the platform for the next major growth phase in wireless services, allowing for new consumer video, data-rich applications and enhanced enterprise productivity solutions. With extensive partnerships in place, Bell is uniquely positioned to build the EVDO network to support data applications as well as to develop content-rich services.

"Wireless data presents the same tremendous growth potential today that wireless voice did almost 20 years ago," continued Mr. Neuman. "EVDO puts CDMA ahead of other technologies in Canada. Its roll-out will mesh seamlessly onto our existing 1X network and will allow for a simple migration of our customers, ensuring Bell's continued success in the wireless market."

Bell's EVDO technology will be on display at BCE Inc.'s Business Review Conference for 2005 for financial analysts on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, in Toronto. For more information on the conference, please visit www.bce.ca.