Montreal Tech Watch

After launching HSPDA this spring in Ontario’s “golden horseshoe”, Rogers Wireless announced they will make also the service avalaible in Montreal. (click on the podcast link to listen to the interview)

Unlike EDGE, advertised by telecom companies as 3G, but which is in fact a 2.75G service, HSPDA is a true 3G protocol and allows data speed from 1.8 up to 14.4 Mbit/s. In the interview, Rogers’ representative said it will allow subscribers to use features like video-conference, and of course, high-speed mobile internet through the service. Currently compatible devices from Rogers are 2 PCMCIA cards for laptops, the Sierra Wireless Aircard 860, Option Wireless GTMax, and one cell phone, the Samsung A706, which allows video on demand, video conference, digital radio and other multimedia features. You can also connect directly the Samsung to your notebook and get hi-speed internet on the road (well it’s only if you stay in Montreal, otherwise the bill will get you bankrupt)

As you can see, these devices’ initial prices seem relatively affordable — until you discover that “recommended” plans starts at $100 per month, for a 3-year term. Of course, the $100 plan is not an unlimited plan, there are discouraging rates if you go past the limit. But you already knew this wasn’t going to be cheap, didn’t you?