Rogers Wireless has announced the launch of High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) services in the ‘Golden Horseshoe’, a region which runs from Oshawa to Niagara Falls and includes the Greater Toronto Area. The first Canadian cellco to launch 3.5G services, Rogers customers may access the network using a Sierra Wireless
AirCard 860. The datacard costs CAD49.99 (USD 44.1) for customers signing a three year contract or CAD349.99 for those opting for a one or two year term. Existing data price plans apply. For a limited time Rogers is offering unlimited e-mail and browsing for three months on data plans of CAD60 per month or more. To help customers manage notebook PC data connectivity, Rogers is offering a free software application which allows customers to manage network data connection options – including HSDPA, EDGE, company LANs, designated Wi-Fi hotspots, cable or DSL – and switch back and forth between available services. Rogers expects HSDPA to be rolled out to additional markets throughout 2007, with the introduction of HSDPA-enabled handsets also to follow.