What are Bell Mobility’s network types and how are they used?

Mobile network technology is constantly being improved, primarily to let you send and receive data faster. You’ll appreciate the faster speeds when surfing the Internet, streaming videos, playing games, downloading apps and files, and more.

Not sure which network your device works on?

Not sure which network your device works on?

5G is the next generation of wireless technology. While 5G will take time to roll out across Canada, coverage will soon begin in select major urban centres. To experience 5G, you’ll need a 5G-compatible phone that connects to the Bell 5G network. If you’re in an area that does not have 5G coverage yet, your phone will automatically switch to the 4G network.

Learn more about Bell’s 5G coverage

LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the gold standard in mobile network technology. Everything you do on the Bell LTE network, from watching videos to running business applications, will be faster and better. 

LTE Advanced is an evolution of LTE, and is the fastest and most advanced mobile technology in the world. LTE Advanced provides a turbo boost for data-intensive activities so that you can have faster download speeds and less buffering. Bell customers on the LTE Advanced network can enjoy blazing-fast theoretical download speeds that can exceed 1 Gbps. 

Expected download speeds (theoretical peak download speeds may vary):

• LTE Advanced: average 25–220 Mbps
• LTE: average 12–40 Mbps 

LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution, Category M1) technology is a subset of our LTE network. It supports a variety of network-connected smart devices, including the Samsung SmartThings Tracker and other devices coming soon. For our Medium and Large Business customers, LTE-M supports Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.

See the network map above for LTE and LTE-M coverage.

LTE-M is currently not available in Saskatchewan.

HSPA (High Speed Packet Access, or 3G) is a mobile network technology that offers data speeds up to 21 Mbps.

HSPA+ (also called Evolved HSPA, or 4G) is a further evolution of HSPA that offers data speeds up to 42 Mbps.

Expected download speeds (theoretical peak download speeds may vary):

• HSPA (3G) and HSPA+ (4G): average 3.5–14 Mbps

You will notice slower HSPA speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps in the following communities in the North: Arviat, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Colville Lake, Holman, Igloolik, Gameti, Iqaluit, Lutselk'e, Nahanni Butte, Paulatuk, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Sachs Harbour and Ulukhaktok.

Due to technology limitations, Prepaid HSPA service is not available in certain areas of Nunavut, namely: Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.