News

Rogers Communications Inc. has introduced its 5G service for customers on parts of Toronto’s subway system. This move allows Rogers customers to access 5G service in 25 stations and connecting tunnels that are considered to be the busiest sections of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway.

Rogers also upgraded the cellular network in these areas, providing all TTC riders with access to 911 service. The goal of this upgrade is to modernize and expand the network so that riders can reliably access 911 and connect to 5G throughout the subway system, including underground.

Earlier this month, Rogers filed a request with the federal industry ministry stating that it should be permitted to add cellular service for its own customers on the Toronto subway network, even if the ongoing dispute with rival carriers is not yet resolved. Rogers strongly opposes a measure that would prevent it from giving their customers first access to the upgraded wireless network.

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne initiated a consultation process in July to expedite negotiations among the major carriers. The carriers had until August 8 to submit their responses and until August 28 to respond to each other’s submissions.

The debate over the TTC contract started when Rogers announced its acquisition of BAI Communications Canada, which held exclusive rights to build cellular and Wi-Fi networks across the subway system since 2012. Rivals Telus Corp. and BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada called for a joint build of the network and expressed their willingness to purchase the contract if Rogers was not open to such an approach.

Prior to Rogers taking over network rights, Freedom Mobile (previously owned by Shaw Communications Inc.) was the only mobile carrier providing service in the underground system. As part of the acquisition deal with Shaw, Freedom Mobile was purchased by Quebecor’s Videotron Ltd.

Rogers plans to engage in discussions with other providers to include them in their plan to bring a 5G network to all 75 TTC stations. The goal is to ensure wireless coverage with mobile voice and data services throughout the subway system. TTC Chief Executive Rick Leary expressed his excitement for the full build-out of the network, with all wireless carriers signing on.

(Source: National Post)

The post Rogers Launches 5G Service for Toronto Subway System appeared first on satProviders.