What is 4G LTE and how do I access it?

What is 4G LTE?

4G LTE, or long-term evolution, is the latest standard in mobile network technology. It offers the fastest data speeds available, so you'll be able to work and play faster than ever before.

This technology creates a platform for innovative applications. We're only beginning to see what mobile apps can do when running over 4G LTE.

For example, you can:

• Watch Bell Mobile TV with faster loading times and virtually no delays
• Browse the Web without waiting for pages to load
• Get right in the action of online multiplayer games and mobile games with better response time and less lag time
• View or post photos and videos to social networking sites faster than ever, never missing a moment
• Download email attachments, presentations and apps with super-fast speeds
• Access complex business tools outside the wired office environment
• Participate in videoconferences with better picture quality and virtually no wait time
• Enjoy VPN compatibility for secure access to corporate networks and confidential files

Plus, you can track your data usage online through My Bell. Learn more.

More about the Bell 4G LTE network.

Last Update:19/12/2011

How fast is 4G LTE?

Bell's 4G LTE network provides download speeds up to 75 Mbps (expected average speeds of 12–25 Mbps).

Each LTE device has a peak speed that it is capable of reaching when in an LTE coverage area. See the device specifications for peak speeds and bell.ca/coverage for network details.

As the technology evolves, maximum theoretical speeds will increase up to 150 Mbps.

Last Update:19/12/2011

Will 4G LTE support voice and data services?

The 4G LTE network provides data services only.

Within areas of LTE coverage, LTE smartphones use the 4G LTE network for data and use the 4G HSPA+ network for voice.
Outside areas of LTE coverage, LTE devices run both data and voice on the 4G HSPA+ network.

Last Update:19/12/2011

Can I use my 4G LTE device outside of 4G LTE coverage areas?

Yes. Outside 4G LTE coverage areas, you'll have access to the 4G HSPA+ network. Depending on the device and the network coverage available, you'll have maximum speeds of 42 Mbps (expected average speeds of 7–14 Mbps) or 21 Mbps (expected average speeds of 3.5–8 Mbps).

For details about our 42 Mbps and 21 Mbps coverage, visit bell.ca/coverage and select the network you want to view.

Last Update:19/12/2011

How do I access the 4G LTE network?

To access the 4G LTE network, you must have all of the following:

• 4G LTE coverage
• 4G LTE device
• Bell 4G LTE SIM card
• A compatible rate plan: 4G LTE Turbo Sticks require a Bell 4G LTE rate plan; LTE smartphones require a Voice & Data plan with at least 500 MB of data

You can upgrade your current HSPA+ or CDMA device to a Bell 4G LTE device by visiting a Bell store (fees and conditions may apply). You’ll also need an LTE SIM card.

Last Update:19/12/2011

Can I access 4G LTE using my existing HSPA+ or CDMA device?

No. To benefit from 4G LTE speeds within coverage areas, you must have a 4G LTE device, 4G LTE rate plan and 4G LTE SIM card.

Learn more about accessing the 4G LTE network

You can upgrade your current HSPA+ or CDMA device to a Bell 4G LTE device by visiting a Bell store (fees and conditions may apply).

Last Update:19/12/2011

Can I access the 4G LTE network on a non-Bell LTE device?

Yes, provided you have a Bell 4G LTE SIM card activated on a compatible rate plan.

Last Update:19/12/2011

Can I use my 4G LTE SIM card in more than one device, including an HSPA device?

Yes. The 4G LTE SIM card is backwards compatible and will work in any 4G device with a SIM card slot.

However, you will only be able to access the 4G LTE network if you are using the 4G LTE SIM card in a 4G LTE device, on a 4G LTE rate plan, and within a 4G LTE coverage area. All usage will be billed according to the rate plan associated to the SIM card being used.

Learn more about accessing the 4G LTE network

Last Update:19/12/2011

Can I roam on other networks with a Bell 4G LTE SIM card?

Yes. Your Bell 4G LTE SIM card will be able to roam on 4G HSPA+ data networks in over 200 countries worldwide.

Last Update:19/12/2011