Bell today announced its award-winning LTE wireless network is now the first in North America capable of delivering Quad Band LTE Advanced (LTE-A) service, offering customers access to the fastest mobile data speeds available. With the addition of 256 QAM technology, Bell is ready to deliver broadband speed of up to 750 Megabits per second.

"Bell has built a strong reputation for leading innovation in Canadian broadband communications, enabled by a great team and the highest levels of investment in network infrastructure and Canadian R&D," said Stephen Howe, Bell's Chief Technology Officer. "Bell delivered North America's first Tri Band LTE-A mobile service in 2015, and we're proud to announce today that we're first to successfully implement not only Quad Band LTE-A but also the further 256 QAM enhancements that take Canadian mobile speeds to unparalleled new levels."

Also known as 4-carrier aggregation, Quad Band technology leverages multiple bands of wireless spectrum to boost top Tri Band LTE-A mobile data speeds from 335 Megabits per second (expected average download speeds of 12 to 100 Mbps) to 550 Mbps (expected average 18 to 150 Mbps). Combined with enhanced 256 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) technology, Bell's Quad Band LTE-A network can now deliver mobile data speeds of up to 750 Mbps, with expected average speeds of 22 to 174 Mbps.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ on the fastest network
Bell is also pleased to announce today that the revolutionary new Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones will be the first devices able to take advantage of this new network capability. In coming months, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ device software will be automatically upgraded to operate on Bell Quad Band 256 QAM LTE.

"With the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, and our extended Galaxy ecosystem including the new Gear VR with Controller, we are excited to partner with Bell in delivering the latest mobile innovations to Canadians," said Paul Brannen, COO and EVP, Mobile and Enterprise Solutions for Samsung Canada.

"Bell constantly seeks out the latest generation in smartphone innovation, the devices that will enable Canadians to take full advantage of the power of Bell's superior network. That's what we see in the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+," said Blaik Kirby, President of Bell Mobility. "With leading network connectivity, access to the latest Samsung apps and services, and outstanding multimedia capabilities including the stunning Infinity Display, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ on the Bell network take the mobile experience to the next level."

With LTE coverage for more than 97% of the Canadian population – and 73% now covered by a growing LTE Advanced footprint – Bell offers customers access to Canada's largest LTE network. Even before these latest enhancements, Bell LTE has been rated as the fastest mobile network in the country by independent analysts such as PCMag.

Source: Bell media announcement