Canadian operator TELUS has announced the plan to launch of LTE network in early 2012. Following field testing in 2011 and the completion of an RFP process currently underway, construction on TELUS' LTE network will begin in the latter half of 2011 in major urban markets across Canada.

TELUS' LTE network will operate on the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum that TELUS purchased for $882 million in Industry Canada's auction process in 2008.

“TELUS' 4G+ LTE network build continues our strategy of technology leadership in our industry, providing our clients with some of the fastest and most expansive mobile broadband services anywhere in the world,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of TELUS.

The launch of LTE over 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum is the first stage in the upgrade to LTE. While services offered in 2012 will begin the evolution to LTE in major urban centres, the completion of the rollout into rural Canada will be dependent on the Industry Canada auction of frequencies in the 700 MHz band. 700 MHz wireless spectrum is to be auctioned in 2012.

“It will be critical for the Federal Government to enable an equitable opportunity for TELUS to acquire 700 MHz spectrum in the auction planned for late 2012 to support our plans to expand availability of 4G+ LTE wireless service to rural markets,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of TELUS.