There are reports that Telus is considering decommissioning
their CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network within the next two
years. Telus, Bell and Tbaytel currently
operate or share CDMA networks in the Algoma District although any new Bell
sites constructed since the activation of the Desbarats site in Dec 2010 have
not included CDMA capabilities.
The reasons espoused include a diminishing customer base as
users switch to smartphones and data, lack of new handsets with improved
capabilities and the chance to reuse the freed up spectrum for HSPA (High Speed
Packet Access) and LTE (Long Term Evolution) expansion
Bell and Telus jointly built and converted their primary networks
to HSPA in time for the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 and subsequently have been
rolling out LTE upgrades.
In general terms, the new sophisticated smartphones are not amenable
to CDMA although there are smartphone model available that will operate in both
CDMA and HSPA modes. They are just not available in Canada at this time.
This is one of the features that Verizon would have brought
to Canada as they still operate the biggest CDMA network in North America and
have CDMA/HSPA/LTE tri-mode phones – for a price. Verizon has indicated they
will operate their CDMA network until at least 2021 but like everything in the
mobile phone business it is likely subject to change on short notice.
CDMA is often the technology of choice for users who want
just voice and limited texting capable in their phones. Various reports indicate there are about
1Million plus users of CDMA phones in Canada. Many experts consider CDMA the
Sony Beta of the industry in that the better technology but lost out in the end.
The carriers need to be careful if they do not want to anger
their customer base as they did with their last major network decommissioning when
they shut down the analogue networks. At least one western regional carrier is
getting their customers ready for an adjustment by offering free exchange of
CDMA phones for HSPA to LTE phones.
