Videotron’s LTE network goes live

Quebec-based quadruple-play cableco and mobile operator Videotron has launched commercial services over its new 4G LTE network, four years to the day since launching its original 3G cellular network. In its press release Videotron announced that its LTE mobile broadband service reaches nearly 90% of Quebec’s population and supports speeds of up to 150Mbps, with data packages aimed at consumers and businesses. The Quebecor subsidiary has rolled out its LTE 2100MHz network in an infrastructure building/sharing partnership with nationwide operator Rogers Communications, and the new network covers Ottawa (eastern Ontario) as well as Quebec under the agreement, whilst Videotron continues to mull the potential expansion to other parts of the country utilising its 700MHz spectrum licences in other provinces. Devices available for use on the LTE network at launch include the Samsung Galaxy S4, S5 and Note 3, the LG Nexus 5, the Sony Xperia ZL, the Moto G LTE, the HTC Desire 601, plus a range of other LTE-compatible handsets Videotron already offered. In the near future (expected this month) Apple’s iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S1 will also be approved for usage on the 4G network. The press release adds that Wi-Fi services will be added to the 4G user packages in October. Videotron had 551,000 mobile subscribers at the end of June.