"In today's fast-paced informational society, Canadians are increasingly looking for ways to stay connected and entertained while outside the home or office. With TELUS' announcement today of enhanced speeds to wireless high speed service in Southern Ontario, Montreal and Winnipeg, we are making it even faster to do just that," said Robert Blumenthal, TELUS senior vice-president of Products and Services. "TELUS continues to invest significantly in the future of telecommunications to bring Canadians the most innovative products and services to meet their need for fast, reliable communications solutions."

The EVDO Rev A upgrade enables clients to experience upload speeds that are seven times faster than previous EVDO service with typical upload speeds of 300 to 400 kilobits per second with maximum possible upload speeds of 1.8 megabits per second. The service also offers enhanced typical download speeds of approximately 450 to 800 kilobits per second to a maximum possible speed of 3.1 megabits per second. In the coming months, TELUS plans to continue rolling out upgraded Rev A service to EVDO coverage area, which now reaches more than two-thirds of Canadians. When traveling in the United States, clients can roam onto EVDO networks in 242 cities.

The speed increases announced today make it even faster for clients to share large data files such as pictures and provides a better experience for streaming services.

EVDO Rev A data products

TELUS has a variety of EVDO Rev A data devices available now and in the near future. All products will operate throughout the full EVDO coverage area and are "backward compatible" with the 1X data network, which offers coverage to 94 per cent of Canadians, when outside the EVDO coverage area.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595: The AirCard 595 fits a standard Type II PC Card slot on portable computing devices and is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and MAC OSX operating systems. Clients who have already purchased the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 in preparation for the launch of EVDO Rev A require a simple, free software upgrade available at telusmobility.com/on/business_solutions/sierra_wireless_aircard_595.shtml to access the service. In the near future all devices available in-store will be EVDO Rev A enabled out of the box. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 is available from TELUS retail locations across Canada for as low as $99.99 on a three-year contract subject to promotional requirements, or $349.99 with no contract.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U USB Modem: Available shortly, the AirCard 595U USB Modem fits a standard USB slot on portable computing devices and is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and MAC OSX operating systems. The 595U can also connect to fixed computers, with its docking cradle and USB cable, allowing an alternative to clients without a PC card slot, and ease of movement between multiple computers. The AirCard 595U USB Modem offers excellent reception, speed and durability thanks to its high-performance fixed antenna design with receive diversity. The AirCard 595U USB Modem includes a battery which provides extra power for maximum performance in fringe network areas.

Sierra Wireless MP 595 GPS: This highly rugged in-vehicle modem provides access to data while on-the-go and features a 12-channel GPS module and 4 digital plus 4 analog input/output ports to allow for advanced tracking and alarms. Tough as nails, the MP meets U.S. Military and SAE specifications making it ideal for industries such as police, fire, rescue, transport, military, and utility field service. The MP 595 GPS will be available soon through special order.

Panasonic notebooks CF-19 and CF-30: To support convenient mobile-computing, the Panasonic CF19 and CF30 ruggedized notebooks will offer embedded modems to function with TELUS' EVDO Rev A network. Both Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are built to exceed military standards and are encased in a full magnesium alloy case (20x stronger than ABS plastic) which protects the display and components from vibration and shock. Panasonic Canada has been the leading name in ruggedized notebooks in Canada for more than 10 years. For more information visit www.panasonic.ca.

Keywords: wireless internet access,evdo, telus, megabits per second, senior vice president, high speed service, 300, canadians, winnipeg, montreal, download speeds, speed increases, speed improvement, 3g wireless, coverage areas, robert blumenthal, reliable communications, access data, 3G

By Robert Hoskins

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