Cellphone companies level playing field with Rogers, will be able to offer Apple's iPhone

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MONTREAL - BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE) will launch its new, advanced wireless network tomorrow, levelling the playing field on network capabilities between Bell, Telus (TSX:T) and Rogers (TSX:RCI.B).

Bell's launch will come a day before Telus (TSX:T) launches its new network, making each of the two major cellphone players able to carry Apple's sought-after iPhone.

The only Canadian carrier that has been able to offer Apple's touchscreen smartphone until now has been their rival Rogers, (TSX:RCI.B), a cable, wireless and Internet company.

CEO George Cope called the launch of Bell's new network the most significant technology announcement for the company in 25 years.

"Wireless is still without a doubt the fastest growing area of telecom," Cope told a luncheon speech, adding it will remain so for the next 10 years.

Bell and Telus will join Rogers in having HSPA networks (High Speed Packet Access), allowing faster Internet downloads of music, video and software applications.

Cope said after his speech that Bell supports a recent CRTC decision that ruled new cellphone company Globalive didn't meet Canadian ownership and control requirements.

"It's just absolutely clear that we all have to live under the same rules," he said.

Cope noted there are other new cellphone players to contend with, such as Quebecor's Videotron (TSX:QBR.B) and competitors DAVE Wireless and Public Mobile, all expected to be up and running in the coming months.

"No one would be mistaken that there's not new competition coming to the Canadian wireless industry," Cope said.