This week, Squamish took a step into the future when the world's most advanced wireless technology reached the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Telecommunications company Telus launched its 4G LTE a fourth-generation cellphone standard for wireless communication of high-speed data. It marks the first time the technology has been available to Sea to Sky residents.
I believe we are the first company to get this technology to Squamish, said Telus spokesperson Shawn Hall.
The technology, which initially became publicly available in Oslo and Stockholm in December 2009, is built to accommodate future devices, Hall said, noting that with the exception of a handful of new mobiles such as the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III the majority of today's mobiles don't use the 4G LTE.
We are building this network ahead of the devices coming out, he said.
The service is needed for technology such as 3D televisions and provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access.
Telus spent $1.7 million on upgrading its equipment, Hall noted. The upgrade supports manufacturers' rated peak download of up to 75 megabits per second (Mbps), with an expected average of 12 to 25 Mbps, company officials said in a statement. By the end of the year, Telus staff expect to offer the high-speed service to 90 per cent of B.C. residents.
Rogers is continuing to launch its LTE across the province, company spokesperson Sara Holland said. It has not yet reached Squamish, but promises to advise customers on the company's progress, she noted.
Shaw Communications doesn't have a cellular service and instead focuses on wireless Internet plans, said Shaw spokesperson Lindsay Krzepkowski said.
