55% MTS 30% Rogers 11% Telus 5% Bell

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/02/2011 (5440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Both MTS Allstream and Rogers Communications announced Wednesday their new higher-speed wireless networks will be launched in Manitoba on March 31.

The new technology, called HSPA-plus (high speed packet access) will theoretically increase wireless data speeds by five times over current rates.

You’ll need to have a HSPA-enabled device to take advantage of the faster speeds, although your old devices will continue to work just as well as they ever did because the old networks will continue to operate the same.

But it will allow access to all that mobile wireless Internet functionality that is being heralded as part of a futuristic wireless world. Depending on network traffic, a HSPA handheld device (including a tablet or a laptop using a Rocket Stick) will get close to the same speed as a high-speed land line. Rogers’ customers within Winnipeg with a HSPA device (like the 3-G iPhone, for instance) have been enjoying the service for some time. As of March 31, Rogers customers throughout the province will be able to have the same service as the city folk.

Officials from both companies said the fact the two arch rivals shared the cost of building the new network does not mean anything will change on the marketing front.

“We will continue to compete tooth and nail,” said Kelvin Shepherd, president of MTS Allstream’s Manitoba operations.

Laura Kwiatkowski, Rogers’ Manitoba general manager, said, “Rogers is always interested in providing customers with options and allow them to make their own choices.”

Starting March 31, residents of Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas will actually have a choice for the first time as to which cellphone provider to subscribe to.

Until the HSPA network is launched, MTS is the only wireless choice in that part of the province. It may seem passing strange that MTS would partner with Rogers in a venture that would open markets that it had previously had to itself.

But there are clearly advantages to both companies to the technology partnership. For instance, MTS will have access to Rogers’ buying power when it comes to some of those HSPA devices like the iPhone.

For MTS, it’s all about protecting its franchise. Iain Grant, a partner with the Seaboard Group in Montreal, said, “With the largest market share, MTS has the most to lose so it behooves them to pay attention and give their customers what they are looking for.”

Manitobans are often late adapters when it comes to new technology (not always out of choice) but we will not wait forever.

Wireless is MTS’s largest business line and the company is well aware it needs to stay on the cutting edge to maintain its dominant market share. Manitoba is a minor market for Rogers but it, too, must protect its turf.

Rogers is already here so partnering with it in a $100-million-plus capital project does not change the competitive landscape for MTS, but arguably tightens its already firm grip.

And at the same time, Manitoba consumers will win.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

Let’s chat about HSPA

How fast is the HSPA network? Much faster data speeds, but it will depend on a few things, including traffic on the network, proximity to a tower and the capability of the device being used. But there will be no big difference when texting, talking or emailing.

Will it cost more to use the new network? MTS will offer some new data-specific plans, but probably won’t change the voice plans.

Will MTS Mobility subscribers start to be able to use the iPhone? Company officials are being coy, (they say “there will be many exciting new handsets available”) but since every other HSPA network carrier in the country offers iPhones, it seems likely.