Results tagged “gsm” from IP Communications and Technology

Telus and GSM - Context is key

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Last week, Light Reading quoted Ibrahim Gedeon the Telus CTO as saying that Telus would not entertain the idea of converting its wireless network to GSM and would instead wait for LTE. Well context is everything and Ibrahim sent the following note to Light Reading to clarify his comments:

Our discussion was of a technical nature, including my references to 2G GSM. Unfortunately, your summary of my comments has led to some confusion for those that tend to commonly associate legacy 2G GSM and 3G HSPA as one and the same.

When we spoke, I did indicate that TELUS would not implement 2G GSM as we are not giving serious consideration to alternative legacy wireless technologies. The TELUS network already covers approximately 80% of the Canadian population with high speed wireless on our 3G EVDO Rev A technology platform. To be clear, we continue to evaluate the complex issues of alternate 4G wireless technology evolution paths.

Also, as mentioned, scale is important to a Canadian wireless operator such as TELUS within the greater North American or global context. Given this, we are of course watching moves by our large U.S. peers in terms of their 4G technology paths. However, this does not necessarily preclude TELUS from the option of pursuing a particular technology evolution path at any point in time regardless of the timing of technology decisions of any U.S. peer.

So who knows, perhaps GSM will play a role at Telus at some point.



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Telus Mobility Switching to GSM?

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The Toronto Star is reporting that TELUS is considering switching their mobility network from CDMA to GSM.

I don't know about the ROI of such a change, the cost of which is speculated to be in the area of $500 million, but the motivation makes sense. TELUS' ability to lead innovation (a critical requirement with the trend towards openness and increasing competition) is likely to be limited by its existing CDMA network.

I don't have any inside information but I think there is a high probability that they will make the technology switch.

Rick McCharles
Telecommunications Consultant
Toronto, Canada
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