Mike (cellular network)

Mike (styled MiKE) is a Canadian mobile phone and push-to-talk network, launched in 1996 using the proprietary iDEN platform from Motorola. The network was initially launched by Clearnet in the Windsor to Quebec City corridor, while its roll-out in western Canada followed in 1997.[1] Telus Mobility acquired the Mike network through its acquisition of Clearnet in 2000.

In October 2013, Telus launched Telus Link, a push-to-talk service over HSPA, LTE, and wifi. This service runs on iOS, Android, and Blackberry devices, and is intended to replace the iDEN network. According to Telus, the iDEN network would remain active for at least two years after the launch of Telus Link.[2]

On February 13, 2014, Telus released its fourth quarter 2013 results. Telus noted that, "Effective with the fourth quarter of 2013, and on a prospective basis, we have adjusted postpaid wireless subscribers to remove Mike subscriptions, as we have ceased marketing the Mike product and started to turn down the iDEN network. Cumulative subscriber connections include an October 1, 2013 adjustment to remove from the postpaid wireless subscriber base approximately 94,000 Mike subscribers representing those who, in our judgment, are unlikely to migrate to our new services."[3]

As of February 2015, on Telus' website for businesses, no Mike phone or Mike service plans are mentioned as being available for purchase.

Network

The Mike national network serves the most populated areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario. It also provides limited coverage in Saskatchewan (near the Alberta border), Winnipeg, MB, Moncton, NB, Halifax, NS, and St John's, NL. The network is entirely digital, and supports voice, data, short messaging, and push-to-talk services anywhere there is coverage.

The Mike network does not use WiDEN technology, due to the additional spectrum that would be required. WiDEN is an upgrade to iDEN technology that allows data speeds up to 100 kbit/s. WiDEN data speeds are dwarfed by data speeds offered on Telus Mobility's HSPA+ and LTE networks.

Roaming

Roaming is only available in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru via NII Holdings.

Roaming in the United States ended on June 30, 2013, with the shut down of Sprint Nextel's iDEN network.[4][5]

Competition

In April 2012, Bell launched a push-to-talk service over HSPA, and plans to launch a push-to-talk service over LTE.[6]

In October 2013, TELUS launched a push-to-talk service over 4G LTE which includes the ability to extend coverage over Wi-Fi. The next generation solution is the successor to the Mike service. [7]

In Saskatchewan, Sasktel operates Push-to-Talk, which operates on 4G phones.

Mike also competes against two iDEN service providers, which each serve a single metropolitan market. These service providers provide coverage in the metropolitan markets of Calgary, AB (Airtel Wireless Ltd.) and Toronto, ON (Fleetcom Inc.).

Products

All modern Mike mobile devices feature built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. They are also data-capable and include a web browser. Devices also support third-party applications, such as the Opera Mini web browser or Google Maps.

As of December 2014, two Motorola phone models are available under the Mike brand name.

Subscriber identity cards

Newer models of iDEN utilize SIM cards, much like GSM networks. Mike currently uses 128k cards, which come with all new devices designed for the network.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Clearnet Introduces MiKE(TM): Integrated Wireless Technology That Will Save Businesses Time and Money". 27 September 1996.
  2. ↑ TELUS launches Link, the LTE-powered push-to-talk network
  3. ↑ | TELUS Reports Fourth Quarter 2013 Results and Announces 2014 Financial Targets
  4. ↑ The end is finally in sight for Sprint’s iDEN network
  5. ↑ Sprint Nextel Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results
  6. ↑ Bell’s PTT LTE network to go live “in the first half of 2013″
  7. ↑