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4G HSPA+ Network - Reclassification FAQ

Look here to find answers to common questions about Tbaytel's 4G HSPA+ Network

• Q. Why is Tbaytel now calling its network a 4G HSPA+ Network?
• Q. What is 4G?
• Q. What is 3G?
• Q. If you haven’t made changes to your HSPA+ network, why call it 4G now?
• Q. What does this mean to me?
• Q. What speeds can I expect from a 4G HSPA+ network?
• Q. Will existing 3G and HSPA devices work on a 4G network?
• Q. Will my current HSPA device be faster on the 4G network?
• Q. How will I know if I'm on the 4G network? Is there any visual indicator on the phone's screen?

Q. Why is Tbaytel now calling its network a 4G HSPA+ Network?

A. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines network classifications within the telecommunications industry. Initially the ITU had a very narrow definition of what qualified as a 4G wireless mobile network; however in December 2010 the definition was expanded to include HSPA+ networks. This inclusion reclassified Tbaytel's 3G HSPA+ Network to a 4G HSPA+ Network. Therefore, Tbaytel will now refer to its network as a 4G HSPA+ Network.

ITU’s Press Release: www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2010/48.aspx

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Q. What is 4G?

A. 4G (fourth generation) is a network classification for mobile Internet defined by the ITU. The 4G classification includes networks with speeds equal to or greater than HSPA+.

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Q. What is 3G?

A. 3G (third generation) is a network classification for mobile Internet defined by the ITU. The 3G classification includes HSPA and EVDO networks with speeds less than HSPA+.

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Q. If you haven’t made changes to your HSPA+ network, why call it 4G now?

A. Due to the ITU’s reclassification and the trend for other carriers to label similar networks as 4G, it is important for Tbaytel to follow suit. Consumers will now be able to accurately compare networks between carriers.

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Q. What does this mean to me?

A. The renaming of Tbaytel’s network from 3G HSPA+ to 4G HSPA+ has no impact on the customer experience. It is merely a network reclassification.

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Q. What speeds can I expect from a 4G HSPA+ network?

A. Tbaytel's current 4G HSPA+ Network can attain theoretical speeds up to 21Mbps. Later this year, in Thunder Bay, the network will be upgraded to achieve theoretical speeds of up to 42Mbps. Practical speeds vary greatly on all networks and are dependent on a number of factors including: the number of users connecting to a cell site at the same time, the quality and strength of the signal, and the capability of the device that the customer is using to connect to the wireless network. Real life device speeds typically range from 3Mbps to 7Mbps.

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Q. Will existing 3G and HSPA devices work on a 4G network?

A. Yes. 3G, HSPA and HSPA+ devices are all compatible with Tbaytel’s 4G HSPA+ Network. These devices are also compatible with 2G networks (GSM/EDGE) when traveling.

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Q. Will my current HSPA device be faster on the 4G network?

A. When it comes to speed, one important thing to understand is that devices have different speed specifications. Therefore, even though a network is capable of up to 21Mbps or 42Mbps, the device speed results will be less than the network speed. Typical real life device speeds range from 3Mbps to 7Mbps.

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Q. How will I know if I'm on the 4G network? Is there any visual indicator on the phone's screen?

A. Tbaytel customers will continue to see the same 3G, HSPA, HSPA+ or H symbol displayed on their device, as they do today, when connected to the Tbaytel 4G HSPA+ Network. Visual indicators are programmed into the device by device manufacturers, and therefore the phone screen visual indicator will only change when manufacturers make the change.

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For more information regarding Tbaytel’s HSPA Network, visit www.tbaytel.net/4G

4G HSPA+ Network Educational FAQ

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