TBaytel's LTE upgrade will provide faster data connections

TBaytel customers may have faster data connections thanks to an upcoming upgrade to the company's technology.

TBaytel will upgrade its data network to Long Term Evolution next February.

"Your data speeds will be much faster," said Katie Crowe, the company's manager of corporate brand communication.

The new system will piggyback on the company's existing network, said Crowe.

"It's not building a new network from the ground up," she said. "It is layering a network on top of HSPA."

Customers may have to upgrade their phones or SIM cards, she said. Customers can sign-up for a new SIM card online now, or purchase them in stores starting in February.

TBaytel plans to expand the LTE network in Dryden, Fort Frances and Kenora through 2016. Eventually, the LTE network will be available in all areas TBaytel services.

Bell and Telus already offer LTE in Thunder Bay.